red or green?: Spicy Avocado Spread Sandwich

I am a huge avocado fan. I swear I could eat guacamole every day. I have been adding avocado to smoothies for a protein punch and experimenting using in chocolate baked goods like cakes, cookies and brownies (delicious). The buttery richness of the wonderful fruit (yes avocados are fruit) adds taste, texture and healthy fat to many dishes.

Of course, avocados are a natural complement to salads, fish, Mexican food, dips and used as a sandwich topping. But one of my favorite (and easiest) preparations is spreading perfectly ripe avocado on toasted bread and topping with red onion and chili peppers. I add plenty of salt and a bit of lime juice. Amazingly delicious, fast and healthy...how good does that sound?

Spicy Avocado Spread Sandwich
(makes 1)

1 ripe avocado
1 Tsp fresh lime juice
1 Tsp sea salt
1 Tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 Tsp dried red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp red onion, chopped
1/2-1 Tsp diced hot chile pepper (jalapeno or other)
1/4 cup diced heirloom tomato (for garnish)
handful baby arugula (for garnish)
extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
whole wheat bun, sliced and toasted

Cut avocado in half, lengthwise. Remove seed and discard. Spoon out flesh and add to small bowl. (If you have never prepared an avocado, check out my technique here.) Add lime juice, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to bowl and mash to combine. Spread mixture evenly between both halves of bun. Top with onion and chile. Serve with arugula and tomato alongside sandwich. Drizzle olive oil over plate and top with a bit more salt and pepper to taste.

Other avocado recipes you may enjoy: