15 Tasty Ways To Use Overripe Avocados

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

 

Discover 15 innovative and delectable recipes to transform overripe avocados into mouth-watering dishes. From hummus to cheesecake, our guide helps reduce food waste and enhances your culinary adventures.

 

 

The emerald allure of the avocado, a fruit bursting with healthy fats and nutrients, is hard to resist. Yet, when its green flesh matures beyond the usual creamy texture, many of us might hastily deem it destined for the compost pile. That's a misjudgment, to say the least. Enter the world of overripe avocados and their culinary potential.

What is an Overripe Avocado?

An overripe avocado has a darkened skin and a pulp that's softer than the ideal creamy consistency. It may sport a few brown spots inside but should not be confused with a rotten avocado, which is mushy, discolored throughout, and carries an unpleasant odor.

Health Benefits of Overripe Avocados

Despite its less than appealing aesthetic, an overripe avocado retains a plethora of beneficial properties. It still holds a significant amount of monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin K.

Avocado: The Savior of Food Waste

Confronting the issue of food waste, we can take a stand in our kitchens by innovatively using ingredients past their prime. Overripe avocados, while not appealing for a salad, can still yield great value in a myriad of other culinary creations.

Preparing Overripe Avocados for Recipes

When prepping overripe avocados, remove any darkened spots, and scoop out the remaining green flesh. You can mash it until smooth or leave it a bit chunky depending on the recipe.

Recipe #1: Avocado Hummus

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 1 can chickpeas (drained), 2 tbsp tahini, 2 cloves garlic, juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste. Method: Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add water if needed to adjust consistency. Serve with pita or veggie sticks.

Recipe #2: Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract. Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth in a food processor. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Recipe #3: Avocado Egg Salad

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 4 boiled eggs, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp dill, salt and pepper to taste. Method: Peel and dice the boiled eggs. In a bowl, mash avocados and mix with diced eggs. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Spread over whole grain bread or serve with mixed greens.

Recipe #4: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 2 cups fresh basil, 2 cloves garlic, juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste, 500g whole wheat pasta. Method: Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a food processor, combine avocados, basil, garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Mix the sauce with cooked pasta.

Recipe #5: Avocado Banana Bread

Ingredients: 1 overripe avocado, 3 ripe bananas, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup honey, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla extract. Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, blend the avocado and bananas until smooth. Stir in the honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix in the whole wheat flour and baking soda. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes.

Recipe #6: Creamy Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 overripe avocado, 2 cups fresh spinach, 2 cups almond milk, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp chia seeds. Method: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Recipe #7: Avocado Ice Cream

Ingredients: 3 overripe avocados, 1 can (14 oz) condensed milk, 2 cups heavy cream, juice of 2 limes. Method: Blend avocados, condensed milk, lime juice, and cream in a blender until smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Recipe #8: Avocado Fries

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the avocados into slices. Dredge each slice in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. Arrange the avocado slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Recipe #9: Guacamole with a Twist

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 1 ripe mango (diced), 1 jalapeno (finely chopped), 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, juice of 2 limes, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, salt to taste. Method: In a bowl, mash avocados. Add the diced mango, chopped jalapeno, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Recipe #10: Avocado Gazpacho Soup

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 1 cucumber (peeled and chopped), 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 cup cold water, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste. Method: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Recipe #11: Avocado Brownies

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 200g dark chocolate (melted), 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup cocoa, 3 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract. Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Blend avocado and melted chocolate until smooth. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix flour and cocoa, then combine with the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for about 25 minutes.

Recipe #12: Avocado Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 12 large mushrooms, 2 cloves garlic (minced), juice of 1 lemon, 1 cup shredded cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove stems from mushrooms. In a bowl, mash avocados and mix with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Fill each mushroom cap with the avocado mixture. Top with cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Recipe #13: Avocado and Tofu Sushi

Ingredients: 1 overripe avocado, 200g firm tofu (sliced), 2 cups sushi rice (cooked), 10 nori sheets, soy sauce for dipping. Method: Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a layer of sushi rice on the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top. Lay slices of avocado and tofu near the bottom of the rice. Roll tightly using the bamboo mat. Cut into sushi pieces. Serve with soy sauce.

Recipe #14: Avocado Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 3 egg yolks, juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 cup melted butter, pinch of cayenne pepper. Method: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve over poached eggs and ham.

Recipe #15: Avocado Lime Cheesecake

Ingredients: 2 overripe avocados, 2 limes (juice and zest), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cups cream cheese, 1 cup crushed graham crackers, 1/2 cup melted butter. Method: Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a springform pan. Blend avocados, lime juice, lime zest, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

I hope these recipes inspire you to rethink the potential of overripe avocados and discover their versatility in the kitchen. Each dish represents a tasty and innovative way to reduce food waste while delighting the palate. Let's celebrate the culinary gems that overripe avocados can become!