Avocado toast; it has risen and fallen in favor amongst the populous, but in my house, it's one of my favorite breakfasts and will never die. Just a handful of ingredients gives you a multi-level green display as a feast for your eyes. Toppings and mix-ins are pretty limitless, but I generally like to be simple, vibrant and fulfilling for giving me a healthy start to my day. My recipe adds hemp seeds (for iron and protein), chia seeds (for calcium and omega-3), basil (anti-inflammatory properties), balsamic oil (to promote digestion), and wheat bread (fiber) - basically it's a health powerhouse and it tastes amazing!
Chia seeds are a sustainability and health superhero! Not only does chia grow well in low-quality soils (meaning, you don't need a lot of extra added fertilizers for it to grow well!) but it also does not need a lot of irritation (low water use). Sustainability for the win while fueling my body with calcium (so important for bone health) and the Omega-3 fatty acids that promote mental well-being and reduction in "bad" cholesterol. Incorporating these babies into as many "start my day" meals as possible ensures long-term health and support for my body as well as the planet. Go-Go-Chia!
Ingredients:
2 slices of whole wheat (or other whole grain) bread of your choice
1 ripe avocado
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
pinch of pink sea salt (to taste)
pinch of garlic powder (to taste)
2 shakes of red pepper flakes
2 tsp chia seeds
2 tsp hemp seeds
5-6 large basil leaves (chopped)
zest of 1/2 lemon (optional - to brighten your palate)
Cucumber (optional - on the side)
Directions:
Toast dry bread in a toaster - medium setting at the least (you need your bread to be sturdy for the toppings; more is better on toasting at this stage).
While bread is toasting, place avocado in a small bowl and mash with a fork (leaving texture). Add olive oil through garlic powder and stir to incorporate well.
Place 1/2 of your avocado mixture on one slice of toast, spreading to the edges. Place the remaining avocado mixture on the other slice; spreading to the edges.
Do one shake of the red pepper on one slice of toast; do the other shake on the second slice of toast. This doesn't make it "spicy" - it just gives it another element of flavor.
Evenly sprinkle chia and hemp seeds onto your two slices of toast; zest a bit of lemon on both slices (if using) and top with basil leaves evenly.
Serve warm with cucumber slices
I hope you enjoy this simple but powerfully sustainable and healthy breakfast; I'd love to hear how this turned out for you!
With love & hope for a better future for all of us - Jamie