Avocado toast is my summer breakfast of choice because it is quick, affordable and easy to prepare. The fruit is packed with healthy fats, giving it a creamy texture that pairs well with eggs or toast, but eaten alone it can taste flat and unappealing.
For a long time, I assumed avocados were simply not for me, no matter how many spices or herbs I added. Then I discovered that a splash of lemon juice makes them genuinely delicious.
Why lemon juice changes everything
Avocados have a deep, complex taste, but their fattiness masks that flavour, leaving them feeling heavy and insipid on their own, reports the Express. Lemon juice is acidic, which cuts through the fat and lifts the flavour, making the avocado taste far more vibrant.
With lemon juice, avocado takes on a fresh, buttery and subtly nutty character. This one addition transformed my opinion of the fruit entirely, and I now enjoy avocado toast several times a week without any extra sauces or toppings.
How to make better avocado toast
Using a ripe avocado is essential: it spreads smoothly onto toast, while an unripe one can tear the bread and cause a mess.
- One ripe avocado
- Two slices of bread
- Two teaspoons of lemon juice
- One teaspoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes, smoked paprika or garlic powder (optional)
Cut the avocado in half and place one half in a bowl. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth and even.
Toast the bread until golden and crisp, then spread the avocado mixture generously over the top. The result is a richer, more refreshing avocado toast that is still remarkably simple to make.
Extra seasonings such as red pepper flakes, smoked paprika or garlic powder can be a welcome addition, but none are essential. Lemon juice alone is the real secret to bringing out the full flavour of avocados.
