The Quintessential Butterfruit Milkshake
Perhaps the most popular way to enjoy butterfruit in South India is in a thick, creamy milkshake. It’s a staple in juice shops and homes, especially during warmer months. To make it, you need one large, ripe avocado. A ripe one will yield to gentle pressure.
Scoop the flesh into a blender, discarding the skin and large central seed. Add about one and a half cups of chilled milk, and sugar or a natural sweetener like jaggery or honey to your taste. Some recipes also suggest adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few soaked cashews for extra richness before blending until perfectly smooth. For a thinner consistency, simply add more milk. Serve immediately for a refreshing and filling drink that is packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
A Simple and Savoury Salad
Moving beyond drinks, butterfruit makes an excellent base for a quick and nutritious salad. Its mild, buttery flavour pairs beautifully with tangy and spicy elements common in Indian cuisine. For a simple Kerala-style preparation, dice one ripe avocado. Combine it in a bowl with one finely chopped small onion, a chopped tomato, and a finely sliced green chilli for some heat. Add a generous squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice, which not only adds flavour but also prevents the avocado from browning. Season with salt to taste and gently toss everything together. For a final flourish, you can add a handful of fresh, chopped coriander leaves. This salad is light, refreshing, and can be prepared in just a few minutes, serving as a perfect side dish or a light lunch.
Creamy Avocado Chutney
Chutneys are a cornerstone of Indian meals, and avocado lends itself beautifully to creating a smooth, vibrant, and healthy version. Unlike more complex recipes, a simple avocado chutney can be made in minutes. In a blender or food processor, combine the flesh of two ripe avocados, a few cloves of garlic, a roughly chopped green chilli, and a handful of fresh cilantro (coriander leaves). Add the juice of one lime, salt, and a pinch of cumin powder. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You can add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency. This chutney is incredibly versatile and can be served as a dip with chips or vegetable sticks, a spread for sandwiches and dosas, or a side for grilled meats and kebabs.
An Unexpected Dessert: Chocolate Mousse
Using avocado in a dessert might sound unusual, but its creamy texture makes it a perfect, healthy substitute for dairy and eggs in puddings and mousses. A chocolate avocado mousse is shockingly decadent and simple to prepare. In a blender, combine the flesh of two ripe avocados with two to three tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. For sweetness, add a natural option like a few soaked and pitted dates or a tablespoon of jaggery powder or honey. A splash of milk (dairy or almond) helps it blend into a silky-smooth consistency. You can also add a pinch of cardamom powder for a subtle Indian spice note. Once blended, spoon the mousse into bowls and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Garnish with chopped nuts before serving.
