– **Title**: Avocado Toast With Smoked Salmon
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread
– 1 ripe avocado
– 100g smoked salmon
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Fresh dill or chives, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Toast the slices of bread until golden brown and crispy.
2. While the bread is toasting, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste, mixing well.
4. Spread the mashed avocado evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
5. Top each slice generously with smoked salmon.
6. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired, and garnish with fresh dill or chives.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious avocado toast with smoked salmon!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Whole-grain or sourdough brings great texture. I lean towards sourdough for its tangy flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, any gluten-free bread will work, just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for the best creaminess. If you can’t find ripe ones, look for Hass avocados as they ripen well. In a pinch, you could use guacamole, but fresh avocado is best!
Smoked Salmon: This ingredient adds a wonderful taste. If you want a different protein, try canned tuna or even grilled shrimp. For a vegetarian twist, you could use smoked tofu for a similar effect.
Cream Cheese: This adds rich creaminess. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier option or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. I sometimes mix in a bit of horseradish for extra flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill is key for a bright flavor, but you can substitute with chives or parsley if you don’t have dill on hand. Dried dill can work too, just use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Toast Is Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy toast can really elevate your avocado toast. Here are some tips to ensure your bread is just right:
- Start with a good quality bread. Thicker slices tend to toast better.
- Toast the bread on medium-high heat. If your toaster has a setting, aim for a deep golden brown.
- Consider using a skillet. You can add a touch of olive oil or butter to the pan for extra flavor.
- Don’t rush it! Take your time for a nice crunch, but be careful not to burn it.
Avocado Toast With Smoked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Toast:
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread
For the Avocado Mixture:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
For the Topping:
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes toasting the bread and preparing the avocado and cream cheese mixes. It’s quick and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Bread:
Start by toasting the slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread in your toaster or on a pan until they are golden brown and crispy. This step gives your toast a delicious crunch!
2. Prepare the Avocado:
While your bread is toasting, take the ripe avocado and cut it in half. Remove the pit, then scoop the creamy flesh into a bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado until it’s as smooth or chunky as you like. Add the lemon juice, then sprinkle in some salt and pepper, mixing well to combine.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese:
In a separate bowl, add the cream cheese and the chopped fresh dill. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This will bring a fresh flavor to your toast!
4. Assemble the Toast:
Once your bread is nice and toasted, take each slice and spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado on top. Make sure to cover the bread well!
5. Add the Salmon:
Next, place slices of smoked salmon evenly over the avocado spread. This adds a wonderful, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado.
6. Top with Cream Cheese:
Add dollops of the dill cream cheese mixture on top of the salmon. You can use a spoon to make it look pretty, and if you have some extra dill, sprinkle it on top as a lovely garnish!
7. Optional Drizzle:
If you want to make it even richer, drizzle a little olive oil over the entire toast. This adds a nice touch of flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your beautiful avocado toast immediately and enjoy every bite! It’s healthy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While whole-grain or sourdough bread works great, you can also use rye, multigrain, or gluten-free bread, depending on your dietary preferences. Just choose a bread that toasts well for that perfect crunch!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No problem! If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute it with dried dill. Use about one-third of the amount stated—so for this recipe, about 1 tablespoon of dried dill should suffice. Alternatively, you can use other fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a different flavor profile!
How to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover smoked salmon in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The remaining avocado can be kept in the fridge as well; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to minimize browning. You can mix a little lemon juice on the exposed flesh to prevent oxidation.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the cream cheese and dill mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to toast the bread and mash the avocado just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor!
