Avocado Basil & Beans

This is a favourite dish, because it’s really simple and quick to make, plus it offers the body so much goodness.

One of the comments I’ve received about this recipe is “the dish is ridiculously easy to make, when you see the photo you think oh that couldn’t be so easy, but it was!”

The avocado in this recipe gives a creamy texture which I really like as a contrast to the crunch of the only-just-cooked green beans. Avocados have high levels of beneficial anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fat, especially oleic acid, as well as phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, helping to provide a healthy blood flow for a healthy brain, plus beneficial nutrients for skin health.

All the ingredients in this dish, including the turmeric sauerkraut, help to support the gut microbiota which in turn is helping to support serotonin production and improve mood. If you would like to know more about this join me at my most popular workshop, the Fermented Foods Masterclass, found here.

If you'd like to see the video making this dish, head to my Instagram here or have a look at YouTube video here. 

1 big handful (125g) long green beans, remove the little woody stalks from the top
½ (about 100g) red/purple onion, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup (60g) cooked butter beans or other beans (from a tin or cook following packet instructions)
½ large ripe avocado (100g), stoned, peeled and chopped into cubes
1 teaspoon capers
1 heaped tablespoon sauerkraut or other live fermented vegetable
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper

Dressing:
1 handful basil leaves, washed and finely chopped/minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Juice from ½ small lemon or ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional extra protein - ½ smoked mackerel filet or sardines, or a large handful crumbled firm tofu or a couple of cooked eggs. 

Steam the green beans and onions together for 3 minutes.
Make up the dressing in a bowl.
Toss the avocado, capers, sauerkraut and beans with the dressing and steamed vegetables.
Carefully combine, taking care not to squish up the avocado too much.
If you wish to add extra protein (the beans already have protein in them), flake over some cooked sardines or mackerel or crumble in some firm tofu or roughly chop up a couple of large hard boiled egg and toss through.