Avocado Egg Toast

Ingredients

• Ripe Avocados: 2 large, Hass avocados are preferred for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Artisanal Bread: 4 thick slices of your favorite bread; sourdough, whole grain, or a hearty multigrain work best.
• Large Eggs: 4 fresh, high-quality eggs, as they are the crowning glory of the toast.
• Lemon: 1 fresh lemon, for juice to prevent browning and add a zesty kick.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, for toasting the bread and adding richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, for a gentle touch of heat.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt or flaky salt, for seasoning the avocado.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh chives, cilantro, everything bagel seasoning, or microgreens for a final flourish.

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Avocado Mash: Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Add the juice of half a lemon, the sea salt, and black pepper. Using a fork, mash the avocado to your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, mash thoroughly; for a chunkier spread, leave some larger pieces. Set aside.

2. 2

   Toast the Bread: Drizzle or brush both sides of each slice of bread with olive oil. You can toast the bread in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once. A toaster also works perfectly well. The goal is a sturdy, crunchy base that can hold up to the toppings.

3. 3

   Cook the Eggs: Prepare the eggs according to your preference.

4. 4

   For Fried Eggs (Sunny-Side Up): Heat a teaspoon of butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Crack an egg into the pan, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still liquid, about 2-3 minutes.

5. 5

   For Scrambled Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a bowl with a splash of milk or water, salt, and pepper. Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and pour in the eggs. Gently stir and fold the eggs until they are cooked to your liking.

6. 6

   Assemble the Toast: Generously spread the prepared avocado mash onto each slice of warm, toasted bread.

7. 7

   Final Touches: Gently place one cooked egg on top of the avocado spread on each toast. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and any of your chosen optional garnishes like fresh chives or everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately and enjoy.