Yum Peaceful Cooking: Asian Avocado Cups

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Asian Avocado Cups


Nope....that's not guacamole.

There's nothing mexican about it except for the avocados.

This is my first entry into a food contest. (how exciting is that?!)

The "challenge" was to show how adaptable avocados are. And you know what? They really are....and I didn't even realize it.

I have lived my whole life (minus 4 months) in California. I have grown up on avocados. And avocados have always had a direct connection to mexican food.

Lo and behold....enormous amounts of years later, I discovered that avocados have the ability to blend with so many other flavor combos. They're kinda like the chameleon of the food world (or at least one of the chameleons...there are a few others out there...like, jicama, water chestnuts, etc. etc.). However, unlike other "chameleons"...avocados have the ability to stand on their own and shine like a star!

Anyways, my point is that you can take a mexican avocado and add it to any cuisine, in any region, along with the regional seasonings and you will have enhanced both the cuisine and the avocado.

With that being said...let me introduce you to my entry into the Adaptable Avocado Recipe Challenge

Asian Avocado Cups
makes 48 cups
Printable Version

5 - 6 Avocados, chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped bean sprouts
1 - 8 oz can water chestnuts
2 tablespoons, packed, chopped cilantro (also known as Japanese Parsley) plus more for garnish
2 green onions, chopped
1 garlic clove chopped
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons lite soy sauce
48 won ton wrappers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Cooking Spray
Your favorite wasabi dipping sauce (I used a teriyaki wasabi dipping sauce)

In a small food processor, pulse together the bean sprouts, chestnuts, cilantro, green onions and garlic clove


You want it to be fine, but not mush. 

In a medium bowl, combine the bean sprout mixture, avocado, ginger, salt, pepper and soy sauce. I used my hands (kinda like how you do with hamburger meat) so that I didn't get a puree. A bit of texture with a few avocado chunks is always nice, right?

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Meanwhile....lets work on those "cups". 

Preheat the oven to 375' F. Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. 

Mix together the olive oil and sesame oil. Brush each won ton wraps with the olive oil mix and fit them into the prepared mini muffin tins




Don't worry about perfection....it's the imperfect that creates character. 

Bake in your 375' preheated oven for 6 - 8 minutes, or until partially golden brown, without the edges getting burnt.


Fill each cup with the avocado mixture. Drizzle your favorite wasabi sauce over the mixture and then sprinkle some cilantro on top.



OMG!!! What a wonderful blend of flavors. It all melts together in your mouth...the smooth texture of avocado with a gentle mixture of ginger, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro...and wasabi, offset by the crunchy baked won ton.

They aren't messy. They aren't difficult. They're just good.

LOVE IT!! 

18 comments:

  1. Wow & yummm!!!
    Good luck!! I hope you win!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. These babies are gorgeous. I love the different flavors you've used with the ginger and wasabi. And to top it off you've put it in precious won ton wrappers. Very clever.

    There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be the winner hands down. Good luck or bonne chance as the French say.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  3. OMG *DROOL*

    I LOVE that the recipes that the recipes that catch my eye on Foodblogs.com are often my BakeSpace Buddies!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Holy cow! This is really amazing! Congrats on your first contest and good luck---you are a very worthy opponent!

    ReplyDelete
  5. These look wonderful,Danielle!!!I am a
    huge avocado fan!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am lucky enough to get to judge recipe contests at the Iowa State Fair and the Clay County Fair. I think you have a winner here! Beautiful presentation and unique blend of flavors.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Twisted! (In a good way, of course).

    Very creative spin and good luck in the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Best wishes on the contest! These look wonderful and I definitely would love to give these a try.

    ReplyDelete
  9. oh my gosh, i LOVE these! i need to throw a party or something so i can make them. they remind me of the avacado egg rolls that cheesecake factory sells, mmmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great for entertaining! Would love to try this.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love avocadoes and will eat them basically any way possible! These look like some super cute and tasty cups! Asian flavors are delicious...good idea to combine them here! And good luck with the recipe contest!

    ReplyDelete
  12. These looks absolutely wonderful! Bravo. Enjoy & have a nice day!
    Cheers, Kristy

    ReplyDelete
  13. This definitely sounds like a winner in my book!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The avocado cups are simply amazing. This would be stunning buffet food.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh my these look wonderful! I have to give this a go. I hope you mean what you said about the not too difficult- they sure look it. Just beautiful presentation.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks Tango!! I think the winner will be announced a week from tomorrow :)

    Sam - I wish I were as confident as you LOL...you should see some of the competition.

    Spryte - I know...right? You see a recipe you like and you click on it and think "hey!! I know her / him!!!"

    Cathy - Thanks for the heads up on this contest and all the encouragement to even consider entering a contest. You rock!!!

    Erica - you and me both, girl :)

    Linda - Oh how cool is THAT!!! I bet you have some stories to share. Thank you for encouraging words :)

    Chris - Thanks!!!

    Bridgett - Let me know what you think if you try em

    Teresa - I love those egg rolls at the Cheesecake Factory!!

    Lee - they really are good for entertaining..epsecially cuz they make so many.

    Joanne - I never realized how versatile avocados are until I started messing around with them. Hell, Cathy even made avocado muffins!!

    Thanks Kristy :)

    Pam - I sure do hope so! LOL thanks

    Mangocheeks - Thanks :) and you know what? they don't even make a mess when you eat them. it was wonderful!

    Cristie - I swear...they're super easy. mix the avocado stuff together...bake the won ton wraps and fill. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. i'm not quite convinced that this asian twist would be superior to my standard guac, but you've succeeded in tempting me to try!
    meanwhile, karma karma karma karma karma chameleon... :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good luck with the contest! These look so cute - perfect party appys and the recipe sounds good, too. I love anything with avocado in it!

    ReplyDelete

I apologize for having to use the word verification but you know how spammers are. All comments with links will be treated as spam. Thank you for visiting. I will do my best to return the visit.
Cheers!