June 14, 2012

Avocado Spagetti

This is my favourite sort of recipe. 
Simple, speedy & delicious. 
This pasta sauce tastes so deliciously creamy, you'll swear it was whipped up by a butter & cream wielding Frenchman... when in fact, it's just bursting with goodness. 
Avocados, or 'Aligator Pears' as some people (myself included) like to call them, are somewhat of a superhero in the nutrient department. 
While technically high in calories, they actually aid fat burning, reduce inflammation & bloating, reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, reduce signs of ageing, improve bad skin, work to prevent and fight cancer & heart disease. 
They're also freaking delicious.
Yep, they're packing heat. 
I'm aware that Avocado Spagetti sounds a bit weird, but I have converted many a nay sayer with this recipe and I have a feeling you'll fall under my charms too. 
*Please forgive the picture quality, I had a hungry table of boys to feed! 


This recipe serves 4, but it would be very easy to halve or double. Just make sure you have an avocado each and one more for luck. 

You'll need: 
4 fist fulls of spagetti (one for each person),
5 ripe avocados (soft, but not yet brown),
Juice of 2 lemons, 
2 cloves garlic, 
1/3 cup of good olive oil, 
1 big handful of fresh basil (or heaped tablespoon of pesto), 
Generous pinch of salt, 
Grating of parmesan. 


Put your pasta on to cook in a large pan of boiling, salted water.
Scoop out the flesh of your avocados, discarding the skins & pips.
Pop it into a blender with your lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt & basil.
Blend until smooth & creamy.


Give it a taste, decide if it needs anything else.
More salt?
More lemon?
Maybe more basil?
When you're happy with it, set it aside until your pasta is ready & drained.
Toss together in a large bowl & sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan (not the dried stuff you buy in a shaker).


If you have a couple left over basil leaves, pop them on top.
Serve family style at the table.




Sprinkle with more parmesan if desired.
More parmesan is always desired on my plate.



Dig in! 
This is also a great recipe if you need to sneak a few vegetables into picky kids. 
It's green and slimy so I tell my nieces it's Alien Spagetti. They stare at me with wide eyes and clear their plates like good little astronauts. 
I plan to remind them of this on their wedding days. 






Pin It Now!

77 comments:

  1. Sounds delicious - can't wait to try this out!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks amazing! What would you recommend serving with?
    Definitely going to wow the other half with this, he's a great cook so it's about time I challenged the crown. :)
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We just had it by itself for lunch, but a rocket salas with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and warmed french bread would be delicious!

      Delete
  3. Haha love the part of the alien spagetti xD That's just so cute!
    I think I'll try making this too :)

    Cotton Candy

    ReplyDelete
  4. OMG that looks so yummy ! Can I hire you as my personal chef? Or I can always come over to pick up a yummy dish ;) I can't believe I have a stove and its only use is to fry eggs and sausages on weekends !

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish my doctor hadn't put me on a strict low-carb diet, or I would definitely be trying this very soon! Pasta and avocados? What more could a girl ask for?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous12:23

    This looks increeeddiibblllleeeee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harry12:24

      I was one of the hungry boys she was feeding and it was delicious!
      I don't even like avocados!
      Loved this.

      Delete
  7. That sounds... interesting. Um... I can't imaging how that would taste! Ok! Coming from you it must be good, so maybe I'll give a try this Summer!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. oh my, can't wait to try this! avocado-fan here, so I'm pretty shure I'll love this
    x,
    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  9. yummmmmmmy! this is all my favorite recipes in one!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Now I know what I'm having for dinner! Yum yum yum! And I too call them Aligator Pears. A spanish friend of mine used to call them that.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous12:52

    I love that you have to apologise for these photos like they're bad!!
    This is you rushing?!
    You put the rest of us to shame girl.

    ReplyDelete
  12. OH yum! Love the health factor, too. Nice one, Rose :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds and looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. now I have to try this one. Love avocado but often buy them with no idea of what to do with them.

    You are just the kind of aunt that little girls need!

    ReplyDelete
  15. hmmm looks so good !

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am now seriously hungry..

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks really yummy. I like cooking but I also like it to be fast and simple with a few good ingredients. It's so true, instead of using heavy creams, why not some healthy avocado! Thank you for the tip. I am going to wow my family with it soon and hopefully convert my dad into a pasta man (as he doesn't like pasta -who doesn't like pasta?! Seriously ;)
    Thanks xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. looks and sounds delicious! can't wait to give it a go.

    ReplyDelete
  19. looks awesome. simple spaghetti dishes like that remind me of fave restaurant in New York called Supper (and Frank), amazing lemon and oil spaghetti dish...

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love your table cloth!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous15:32

    Ah, I love avocado spaghetti! It's one of my go-to meals during the semester because it is just so brilliantly simple AND delicious. How can you beat that?!

    Good on you for sharing your recipe with everyone :) It's time to convert the skeptics! xx

    Jess

    ReplyDelete
  22. It sounds amaaaaazing!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Just sending you a quick note that you inspire me, and have led me to create my own blog about my number one passion in life - food!

    Feel free to check it out here: http://thecoffeebreaker.blogspot.com/

    I apologize for the scattered and unkempt layout! Still a work in progress!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Avocados AND spaghetti? Two of my favourite things combined? Oh my! Thanks for this fabulous recipe, I think I may actually try it out in the next few days, it truly does sound delicious.
    Avocados truly are a super fruit, I know so many people get put off by their fat content but it's the good fat! And it helps burn fat so it's even better. More fool them I guess!

    Lucy xxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. This looks SCRUMPTIOUS. Can't wait to try - if making for just one would one avocado be ok do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous17:11

    I've seen this recipe before, but I think they use less avocado. Yours looks much richer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yea, I guess it's kind of like pesto or bolognese, everyone makes theirs differently!

      Delete
  27. We just made very similar posts! Too weird!
    I'm obsessed with avocados and creamy avocado pasta is seriously delicious.
    Great minds think alike I guess :)

    Love your blog!

    Anna
    http://annahashizume.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. Aw this makes me sad... I made this once a while ago but accidentally poured waaaaay to much salt in (classic loose lid trick) and ruined it, we still had to eat it though as we were starving and the cupboards were bare... ha anyway I was banned from even mentioning it for a while but it might be time to try again!
    - Charlotte x

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am going to try this even though I don't really like avocados, that is how much faith I have.

    And I will buy a blender for the occassion--new kitchen gadget and yummy food what more could I want?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Angela18:02

    Rosie I made this for an early dinner tonight and had to come right on and tell you how AMAZING it was!
    My husband (whos on a diet) said "I thought I wasn't aloud cream?"
    HA!
    Keep it up girl xxx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous19:02

    Would this type of sauce work for your Skinny Spaghetti recipe? I still haven't tried the whole subbing-cabbage-for-pasta trick yet, so I really don't know what to expect... Any thoughts?

    As always, great post! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure, worth a try though!

      Delete
  32. YUM!!!! Well I know what I'm having for dinner tonight... :D I love avocado!

    ReplyDelete
  33. The combination of two of my favorite things: avocados and basil. Currently have 7 avocados on the counter and basil in the garden. I think it's a sign.

    I forwarded this to my parents, sister, boyfriend and all my girlfriends. Clearly, I am excited.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous23:21

    add a little cumin and things get even more delicious...possible? yes.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous23:39

    You are such a tease! Here I am, sitting at my desk starving and here comes a post on avocado pasta. Truly looks delicious, and so ridiculously simple! Love.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Read this post over tea this morning, made it for dinner tonight! Perfection! (And SO rich, no one believed me that it had no cream or butter) Thanks for another delish idea!
    xxo from NYC

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tamar03:35

    Hmm this looks so good but a little too high in calories per serving for me! 5 avocados and 1/3 cup olive oil! Maybe I'll lighten it up by putting the sauce over vegetables or your skinny spaghetti :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's split between 4 people Tamar, and as I explain in the post: Avocados actually aid fat burning & weight loss.
      Olive oil is great for your skin, joints and digestion.
      Not all calories are created equal ;)
      x

      Delete
    2. Tamar15:42

      Oh, I know healthy fats are great! It's just in that quantity I would probably put the sauce over something a little lighter than pasta. I tend to eat 5 or 6 smallish meals throughout the day. It still sounds and looks wonderful!

      Delete
  38. Angela04:41

    Your blog always always always makes me feel better and much happier by the time I finish reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  39. mmm delicious and healthy! I love how this is already zooming around pinterest at amazing speeds

    ReplyDelete
  40. 2 of my favourite things on a plate. I am feeling hungry already.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've never heard of this but what a mouthwatering concoction, it must be so so creamy, I'm in!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Quite Interesting !!!

    Take Care

    Gian
    Consultant Style Advisor
    http://gntstyle.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm gonna taste it tonight! Yummy!

    From Paris with love!
    Kristina recently posted.. Decision Decisions....

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous13:58

    I just love you.

    ReplyDelete
  45. sounds delicious, I will def be trying this! a couple years ago though I started using wholemeal spaghetti and now I like it much better so mine will be extra healthy! If you've never bought it you should try it, better texture than white spag, just don't get supermarket own brand, it's got to be Italian!

    ♥ ThankFifi

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh wow this looks delicious! Can't wait to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I tried this recipe today Rose and it was delicious and absolute crowd pleaser! Thanks for it

    ReplyDelete
  48. I think I'll have to try this! Just hope my boyfriend agree...

    ReplyDelete
  49. I just made this...holy cow! It's so delicious! How do you come up with stuff like this??

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous03:26

    I just made this for my Mum and Pa! They loved it and so did I! Thank you so much for a quick, easy, and unique pasta dish :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. having this for my tea this evening for the second time in 5 days.
    this is testament enough!

    <3

    hannahhindmarsh.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love anything that I can make for my vegetarian friends. Look so yummy for a fresh summer pasta.

    ReplyDelete
  53. claire19:28

    it was a bit too rich for me; next time i'll use less avacados, maybe one between two people.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Oh I am just sucha sucker for avocados.... my favourite way to eat them is to mush them up with worcester sauce, black pepper, salt, cream cheese, and a little sweet chilli sauce. Spread on a Matzos cracker. You must try it- divine!

    http://thehungryromantic.tumblr.com/

    ReplyDelete
  55. I just made this and it was SO good! I veganized it - so I skipped the parmesan and used a vegan pesto, still super good. Thanks, Rose.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Karly11:43

    Oh wow, this is beyond delicious! I threw in some chopped, smoked bacon to keep the carnivore boyfriend happy! Also, must also thank you for the Epic Fish Tacos recipe which I cooked for my boyfriend a few weeks ago, the fish went a little crumbly in the pan but it was throughly enjoyed all the same ;)
    Thank you for posting, as always.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  57. i really enjoy reading your blog but especially your posts about food. you put up some great recipes which all look yummy! i will definitely be trying this one soon as it looks like a great healthy alternative to pasta.

    lifeandstyleofemily.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Rose!

    i just tried a little twist to your avocado pasta...in attempts to get my 1 and 1/2 to eat i remembered your avocado pasta recipe...i had just made some guacamole, so i threw some in w/ some noodles & voila! a nice cool healthy summer pasta...my husband quite enjoyed it as well ;o) thank you for all of your easy healthy recipes...we love the chicken starlit wraps as well (btw-i LOVE LOVE your blog!)

    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  59. Anonymous22:24

    Where can. Find those dinner plates and bowl

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous02:18

    Wonderful recipe, thanks for posting! I've made this twice now and both times it was adored by everyone! Tonight i modified this recipe by using 1 avocado, a jar of traditional marinara and bits of lemon juice, garlic, basil and olive oil and voila: vodka sauce! It was delicious! Thanks again for the great idea! -Annie from San Diego, CA

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hello, I have just found your blog and I LOVE it, I'm supposed to be working but I can't get off the site! I also adore the bird table cloth you have on this post - where might I be able to find the material please? Becs x

    ReplyDelete
  62. Anonymous03:49

    I made this and it turned out delicious! I served it with some glazed broiled salmon.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous18:04

    Just made this: BRILLIANT!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Anonymous22:05

    Hi Rose,

    Was just peeking through your recipes and everything sounds delish! Are your cooking skills self-taught or did you learn from someone else?

    Love your blog!

    - Hungry in Philadelphia

    ReplyDelete
  65. Anonymous23:40

    Oooh this tasted delicious! I was scared that the dish would end up being cold because you couldn't heat the avacado, but if you serve it immediately on the hot pasta then it is the perfect temperature!

    Tasted sooo unhealthy and delicious! Got my mom's healthy seal of approval! (This is a big deal, she is a complete health freak!)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Anonymous08:53

    how many calories is this dish? looks soooo good!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous01:45

    Just made this...it is delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Anonymous07:08

    Just had this for dinner. It was fantastic! Thank you so much for the recipe. I'm definitely making this again. Yumyum!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Definitely trying this! So simple and quick! I love anything with avocado...so this is right up my alley!

    ReplyDelete
  70. oh my goddd just randomly fell on this post while reading through your blog! this looks so tasty!! i love avocados . and pasta. I will try this out as soon as possible. thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Brianna Middleton MacPherson19:07

    Sweet recipe! I added a spoonful of pesto, a spoonful of sour-cream and chopped tomatoes on top... so good! Thanks x

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...