| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 502 | 34g | 7g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 9g | 11g | 0.33g |
If there’s one thing I love more than a bowl of warm Southern comfort food, it’s incorporating fresh and wholesome ingredients into traditional dishes to add a splash of the unexpected. This is exactly why the Avocado Pasta Sauce recipe holds a special place among my culinary creations.
Finding Balance in Unlikely Combinations
At first glance, Avocado Pasta Sauce might seem as non-traditional as it gets for Southern cuisine. Yet, it checks all the boxes for the requirements of what makes comfort food truly comforting. I find the creaminess of the avocados, combined with the robust flavors of garlic, fresh basil, and a zesty lemon kick is reminiscent of the hearty and bold notes found in many Southern dishes. This recipe is not unlike the Southern Corn Chowder, layering textures and flavors to create a savoury ensemble that feels both homey and exciting.
Healthy Comfort Food? Yes, Please!
Not to mention, this Avocado Pasta Sauce is teeming with vital nutrients. The avocado lends its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fibre, while elements like garlic and lemon juice contribute to your body’s wellness. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, and lemon juice is loaded with Vitamin C.
It’s a sauce that not only tantalizes the palate but also nourishes your body. Not unlike my Southern Shrimp Stew, a seafood lover’s delight chockfull with nutritious and delicious ingredients. It’s a healthy twist to comfort food that doesn’t compromise on the rich and satisfying flavours we love.
The Avocado Pasta Sauce pairs delightfully well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to compliment it with some grilled chicken or wanting to keep things vegetarian and serve it with a side of a light summer salad, it’s an easy go-to recipe that is sure to impress.
So, if you’re like me and you enjoy a bit of mixing it up in the kitchen without straying too far from what feels like home, I urge you to try the Avocado Pasta Sauce. May it bring you the same joy and gratification I find in every spoonful – a delightful meander off the beaten Southern path, and yet a comforting return to the familiar lovingly nestled within each bite.
What You’ll Need
- 4 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained and rinsed
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the avocados, pit them and remove their skin. Next, peel and mince the garlic cloves. Then cut the cherry tomatoes in half and rinse the canned corn kernels.
Step Two
Add the peeled avocados, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and half of the olive oil into a blender or food processor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
Step Three
Blend the content until everything is smoothly incorporated. This is your avocado-based pasta sauce. Set it aside for the moment.
Step Four
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add in the spaghetti and cook it according to the instructions on its package.
Step Five
While the spaghetti is boiling, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Then add in the halved cherry tomatoes and the rinsed corn kernels. Stir until they are well mixed and cooked through.
Step Six
When the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and return it back to the pot. Pour the avocado sauce into the pot and mix it well with the spaghetti until all the noodles are well covered with the sauce.
Step Seven
Add the sautéed cherry tomatoes and corn kernels to the pot. Stir until everything is evenly dispersed.
Step Eight
Toss in freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir once more. The heat of the spaghetti will gently melt the cheese, integrating it into the sauce.
Step Nine
Finally, drizzle the remaining olive oil on top of the dish to enhance its flavor. Your Avocado Pasta is now ready! Serve immediately while it’s still warm, you may add additional parmesan cheese or black pepper on top as you desire. Enjoy your meal!
