Guacamole has become an essential part of American cuisine can be used as a dip for chips, or in a salad and as a condiment for many recipes. The key ingredient is avocado, which is a large berry containing a single seed. The flesh of the fruit is used to make the guacamole, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, potassium, dietary fibers boasting several health benefits.
How to make guacamole?
The classic guacamole is made using avocados, cherry tomatoes, onion, lime, cilantro, garlic and salt. A perfect blend of creamy, tangy ingredients to be served as a dip for your chips. The simplest way to prepare is to cut the avocados evenly and then scoop all that flesh out. The next step is to mash the flesh with all the other ingredients, and you are good to go. Store the mixture in a cool place and make sure it is covered since exposed guacamole will oxidize and turn brown which does not look appealing.
Here are a few different variants.
Kale guacamole: With a green vegetable added in the mix, give the classic an even healthier twist.
Tropical fruit guacamole: The addition of tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples, will give your guacamole a tangy taste and make it look even more appealing with the interesting color combination.
Hummus guacamole: Craving that middle eastern dip from time to time? Mix it with your classic guacamole to get two condiments in one for you chips and nachos.
Apple guacamole: With a couple of diced jalapeño and the addition of green apple, give your guacamole and spicy and crunchy flavor, second to none.
Pomegranate guacamole: Adding pomegranates will not only boost the health benefits but will also enhance the flavor giving it a sweet and tangy taste.
Grilled guacamole: Anything that is grilled will always pack a punch, grill your classic guacamole to take it to the next level.
Bacon cheese guacamole: Bacon will give your guacamole that salty smoky flavor complimented by cheese. A rich and heavier option compared to your healthier variants, occasionally.
Mint and pea guacamole: Peas will add a texture and certain sweetness to the dip, which also goes well with mint for an interesting flavor combination. The freshness of the mint will complement the sweetness of peas blended with avocados beautifully.
Spicy guacamole: Made with avocados, tomato, green, onions, lime juice, salsa, sour cream, vinegar and the most important of all, cayenne pepper to give it that extra flavor of spice.
Many interesting variants of the classic guacamole can be looked up online, with their recipes.
We are a coffee-drinking nation and every form of the beverage – decaf, regular, expresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and ristretto is consumed everyday by millions of us. It’s the first thing we need in the morning and the last (for some) after dessert. Black, with cream, with sugar, no sugar, flavored, each of us has a preference with regard to strength. Nespresso’s taken heed of this and given us a gift in a pod with the Nespresso capsules. Available in the regular Arabica and Robusta capsules, they have some amazing seasonal flavors as well.
Nespresso capsules are hermetically sealed in a capsule that holds 5-7 gms of coffee – enough for one serving of coffee. They offer five ranges in Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40 ml), Lungo (110 ml), Decaffeinated (40 ml and 110 ml) or Flavored (40 ml).
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Ristretto range are:
Ristretto Origin – Made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has toasted flavors with cocoa notes and woody undertones.
Ristretto Origin India – A blend of the finest Arabicas with a smidgen of Robusta from Southern India, this full-bodied coffee has hints of spices.
Ristretto Intenso – A strong blend of South and Central American Robustas and Arabicas, the Ristretto Intenso is a full-bodied coffee with a creamy texture and peppery notes.
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Espresso range are:
Espresso Origin Brazil: A pure Arabica coffee, it has a mild sweet flavor.
Espresso Leggero: A blend of South American Arabicas and Robusta, it has smooth notes of cocoa and cereal.
Espresso Forte: Exclusively made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has an intensely roasted balance of espresso and fruity notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Lungo range are:
Lungo Leggero: Lightly roasted East African, South and Central American Arabicas, with mild notes of jasmine is what makes up this delicious brew.
Lungo Forte: A complex mix of South and Central American Arabicas, this coffee has heavy roasted notes with a slight hint of fruit.
Lungo Origin Guatemala: A mix of Arabica and washed Gourmet Robusta coffee, Lungo Origin Guatemala is smooth and well balanced with dry and malty cereal notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules in the Decaffeinated range are:
Espresso Decaffeinato: Dark roasted South American Arabicas with a touch of Robusta enhances the cocoa flavors and roasted cereal undertones of this decaffeinated espresso.
Lungo Decaffeinato: This is a slightly more complex blend of separately roasted South American and East African Arabicas. It includes toasted cereal and sweet notes with subtle and floral hints of East African Arabicas.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Flavored range are:
Espresso Vanilla: This silky-flavored coffee is the result of a base of Espresso Forte, which is a complex and heavily-roasted blend of South and Central American Arabicas and a slightly caramelized aroma of vanilla. Espresso Caramel: On a base of Espresso Forte, this complex and intensely roasted blend made from South and Central American Arabicas has the sweetness of caramel.
Here are a few easy and healthy recipe ideas that are both quick to make and light to digest on hot summer days. With very few ingredients, the preparation of these recipes is a breeze. So go on, enjoy these easy, healthy recipes that are brimming with nutrition and taste heavenly too!
Greek Cucumber Rolls
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
This is popular among easy and healthy recipes. Slice cucumber into thin flat strips using a vegetable peeler and arrange them in slices of two on a clean tray. Smear the hummus on top of each slice, then toss some feta cheese, black olives and cut tomatoes on each of the cucumber strips. Squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some finely chopped dill and cilantro. Finally, roll the strips, serve the Greek cucumber rolls and see them being gobbled up by the young and old alike!
Flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the directions on the label. In a thick bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic and shallots. After about a minute or so, add the other vegetables along with salt and toss them gently for a few minutes. The vegetables must cook and be crunchy at the same time. When they are done, add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and some freshly ground black pepper to it and mix well. Serve this flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables for lunch or dinner as a filling, yet light meal.
Sunshine juice
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Direction
Squeeze juice from the oranges and blend the strawberries in a juicer. Then in a pitcher, take the orange juice, strawberry juice, and chilled water together and mix well. Refresh yourself with this yummy sunshine juice with ice cubes on a hot day.