Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 Plain or Lightly Salted Rice Cakes: The foundational crunch. Choose a sturdy variety, preferably made from brown rice for extra fiber and a nutty flavor. This is the canvas for our delicious toppings.
- 2 Ripe Hass Avocados: The heart of the recipe. A ripe Hass avocado should yield to gentle pressure. It provides the creamy, luscious base packed with healthy fats.
- 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These provide a burst of sweet, juicy freshness and a vibrant splash of color. Halved or quartered is perfect to ensure you get a bit of tomato in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice: The essential flavor enhancer and preservative. This small amount of citrus cuts through the richness of the avocado and, crucially, prevents it from oxidizing and turning brown too quickly.
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste): This doesn’t just add saltiness; it elevates and brings together all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground): Adds a subtle, earthy warmth that complements the creamy avocado beautifully.
- A pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little kick. This introduces a gentle, lingering heat that contrasts wonderfully with the cool avocado and tomato.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (finely chopped): This is the finishing touch. Cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note, while parsley offers a cleaner, peppery freshness. It also adds a final touch of green, making the dish even more appealing.
Instructions
- Prepare the Toppings: Begin by preparing your fresh ingredients. Wash the cherry or grape tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice the tomatoes in half. If you are using larger cherry tomatoes, you might prefer to quarter them to ensure they are bite-sized and distribute evenly over the avocado mash. Wash and finely chop your chosen fresh herb, whether it’s cilantro or parsley, and set it aside for garnish.
- Create the Avocado Mash: Take your two ripe avocados and slice them in half lengthwise, cutting around the large pit in the center. Gently twist the halves to separate them. Carefully remove the pit (you can do this by tapping it firmly with a heavy knife and twisting, or by scooping it out with a spoon). Scoop the green avocado flesh out of the skin using a large spoon and place it into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Mash and Season: Add the tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the bowl with the avocado. The acid in the lime juice is crucial as it will significantly slow down the browning process (oxidation) and add a zesty, bright flavor. Add the sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes to the bowl.
- Achieve the Perfect Texture: Using the back of a fork, begin to mash the avocado against the sides of the bowl. The ideal consistency is a personal preference. For a creamier, smoother spread, continue mashing until all lumps are gone. For a more rustic, chunky texture (similar to guacamole), mash lightly, leaving some small chunks of avocado intact. This adds a wonderful mouthfeel to the final dish. Once you’ve reached your desired texture, gently stir to ensure all the seasonings are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Rice Cakes: Lay your rice cakes out on a clean cutting board or individual plates. Take a generous spoonful of the seasoned avocado mash and spread it evenly over the surface of each rice cake, going all the way to the edges. Be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate rice cake. The amount of avocado you use is up to you, but a layer about a quarter-inch thick is a great starting point.
- Add the Tomatoes and Garnish: Now, artfully arrange the halved or quartered tomatoes on top of the avocado layer. Distribute them evenly so that each bite will contain that pop of juicy sweetness.
- Final Touches and Serving: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the assembled rice cakes. This not only adds a final layer of fresh, herbaceous flavor but also makes them look professionally prepared and even more appetizing. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate contrast between the crisp rice cake and the creamy toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300