Avocados can be sliced and grilled and presented in a variety of ways.
Grilling avocado is simple; this dish consists solely of the avocado vegetable sliced, or into smaller pieces, and cooked on the grill. This can be presented in a number of different ways to appeal to a culinary audience. Some restaurants serve this type of dish, but it is also popular in some communities as part of a home-cooked meal.
A unique vegetable, avocados contain plenty of protein and other dietary elements. This makes it an ideal candidate to replace meats or other proteins. Cooks recognize the nutritional values of avocados, as well as their attractive flavor. It’s what drives its use in grilled avocado dishes and other presentations. The distinctive texture of the avocado is another selling point, although the use of this vegetable is limited by its narrow ripening window and the difficulty of harvesting ripe avocados without cutting them.
It takes some skill to skillfully cook avocado on the grill.
In many cases, cooks cut the avocado into relatively thin slices to place on the grill. Other presentations include whole avocado halves grilled on the side. Without the seed or nut, these avocado halves can contain stock or sauce for more complex culinary presentations.
Cooks can use various items to cover the avocado before grilling. Olive oil or balsamic vinegar are popular to use in this dish. Some cooks also use lemon juice or other similar seasonings. Powdered or chopped herbs or spices can be added to these marinades.
Although colloquially referred to as a vegetable, avocados are actually a type of fruit.
Grilled avocado can be garnished with other brightly colored vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots for added visual appeal. The dish can be added to sandwiches or served on its own. Alternatives to this dish include guacamole, where the avocado is mashed and mixed with other ingredients. Grilled avocado chunks or guacamole are used as a side to Latin American foods like quesadillas, tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
In cooking avocado on the grill, the technique consists of knowing how long to grill and at what temperature. This provides an attractive charred presentation without burning the food. It should also keep the texture of the avocado firm enough to allow it to rest on the grill without falling apart and falling into the flames. This dish, while not extraordinarily complex, requires considerable skill on the part of the cook.