Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Crispy Fried Avocado Salad

 
With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner I've had Mexican food on the brain.  Ok, who am I kidding?  I always have Mexican food on the brain.  While my parents were visiting, we decided to have a little fiesta one night, which included this Crispy Fried Avocado Salad.  I've heard of fried avocado before but never actually tried it, so I figured this night was as good as any to give it a try.  I think they turned out really good - warm and crunchy on the outside, cool and refreshing on the inside!  
 
Crispy Fried Avocado Salad
inspired by Emeril 
Serves 4

1 c. buttermilk
2 tbsp. hot sauce (I used Cholula)
3 firm-ripe avocados (You don't want them too ripe or they will turn to mush)
1 c. yellow cornmeal (You may not need this much)
 
1/4 c. creme fraiche (or sour cream)
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp. hot sauce

1/2 chopped tomato
1/2 finely chopped jalapeno
1 slice of red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
3-4 tbsp. vegetable oil for frying

Here's a quick tutorial for cutting avocados.
     
             Cut                               Wack (carefully!)

             Slice                                    Scoop

In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, 2 tbsp. hot sauce and avocado slices. Soak for 30 minutes.
 


Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the creme fraiche (or sour cream), lime juice, cilantro, and 1/2 tsp. hot sauce.  Chill until ready to use.


Pico:
Combine chopped tomato, jalapeno, red onion and cilantro.  Set aside.

Fried avocados:
Put cornmeal in a shallow bowl.  Dredge soaked avocado slices in the cornmeal, shaking to remove excess cornmeal.

Heat several tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.  Place one layer of avocado slices in the pan for about 1-2 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.  I had to repeat the process twice to fit all of my avocado.  Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.  Arrange on salad plates, drizzle with creme fraiche sauce and divide pico into the center of each salad. 


Notes:  Use more hot sauce if you like it really spicy!
            Serve with dipping sauces on the side if you prefer to pick them up and dunk.
 
Enjoy!

9 comments:

  1. I had fried avocado for the first time ever at a restaurant the other day--gotta try the homemade version now! This looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have never had fried avocado but it looks de-lish!
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lucy, I've never seen this before and I'm really curious to taste them now. I really appreciate such an original dish. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fried + Avocado = BRILLIANT! Oh my gosh, what a fabulous thing...I NEED to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow! I would never have thought about making that. Definitely seems like something I have to try

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just saw your comment on Joy the Baker and had to stop by! I'm from STL also.. I've never had fried avocado, but my love for Mexican food might make me try this!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you everyone for the sweet comments! Let me know if you try it!

    @Newlywedcooks, thanks for stopping by, I love meeting other local bloggers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi friends,

    It's looking very nice! After reading your post, I think it's a useful information for everyone. It is easy to prepare and good for health. Thank you...

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was looking at St. Louis Food Blogs and found this posting. I never would have thought to fry avocados! Sounds delicious--I will have try it soon.

    ReplyDelete