One of the requirements to work in downtown Vancouver is a love for avocado toast. Kidding kidding. I love avocado and I love bread so I’m obviously a fan of avocado toast, I mean it’s crunchy, creamy and delicious. And it’s healthy! I always say to my friends “we’re the good kind of fat, like an avocado!”. And according to a recent commercial, avocado toast is “young people” food – who doesn’t want to feel young and hip!

Now I put a poached egg on mine, because it’s delicious, and one of the few ways I’ll eat an egg. People seem intimidated by poaching an egg – but you can buy really fun little floating cups that you crack the egg into and put into the boiling water and it poaches. I have a pan that has an egg tray on the top that poaches the eggs, and I’ve seen people on the internet poach them in the oven even! But honestly, I do it the fun and old fashioned way. Simmering water, a splash of white vinegar (don’t worry, it doesn’t flavour the egg), whisk the water to make a whirlpool, and drop the egg into the center of the whirlpool using a ramekin. This works well for making one egg at a time!

To get a cooked, but runny egg, cook for 3-4 minutes. I actually like my eggs cooked hard – but for the sake of presentation, I cooked them for 4 minutes so it’s runny! Make sure the water isn’t boiling because it will break the egg up. The vinegar and the whirlpool help the whites to stick together and form a nice little compact egg! Not to mention, poached eggs are a lot healthier since there’s no butter or oil!

As far as avocado toast goes, it’s nice to use a hearty bread, a ripe avocado and some citrus. I kept things simple with just salt & pepper, a couple chili flakes, a slice of tomato and some sprouts. We should all eat more sprouts, they are delicious and pretty! Radishes are also delicious on avocado toast!

You can easily just slice the avocado, but I love when it’s a bit smashed up and creamy, it just gives it such a nice texture. Maybe that’s why I love guac so much!

This makes a great breakfast or light lunch! It’s quick, delicious and healthy. And how cool and trendy will you look on your Zoom meeting eating avocado toast? I mean, working from home I’ve been missing my downtown food, so this is a nice way to still feel in touch with my favourite downtown breakfast!

You can top the avocado with whatever you like! Play around the veggies, put some bacon on it if you like, play around with the spices, the bread, the egg, this is your creation! It’s a good way to use up leftovers in your fridge – that’s what I did with the tomato!

Why should you eat avocado toast?:

• Quick, simple & limited ingredients;
• Easy to shake up and play around with;
• Super healthy;
• Vegan friendly (just omit the egg);
• Easy to make more or less for however many people;
• Great way to use whatever leftover veggies you have;
• It’s crunchy, smooth & hearty;
• It’s vibrant, beautiful and colourful!

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Smashed Avocado Toast w/ Poached Egg

• 1 piece whole wheat, grainy bread, thick slice
• 1 avocado
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 egg, room temperature
• At least 4 inches of water – boiling at first
• 1-2 tbsp white vinegar
• Thick slice of tomato
• Handful of sprouts (about 1/4 cup)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste

Start by bringing at least 4 inches of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Once the water has boiled, turn it to a low simmer, steaming, but not moving. If the water is bubbling at all, this may break your egg. Add the vinegar to the water.

Crack your egg into a small ramekin. When the water is ready and simmering, take a whisk and whisk the water to create a whirlpool. Drop the egg into the center of the whirlpool (do not touch the egg!), the whirlpool will help the whites from feathering out. Cover the pot, and set your timer. 3-4 for minutes, for soft (I do 4 to stay safe) and longer for a harder cooked egg.

While the egg is cooking, toast your bread.

Meanwhile, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit carefully with a knife and spoon out the meat with a spoon into a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice (also helps slow down browning) and chili flakes (optional). Using a fork, mash the avocado until you have a consitancy that you like. I like it creamy, but with a few small chunks! Slice tomato.

Once the egg is done, remove it carefully using slotted spoon and remove it onto a paper towel lined plate.

Place toast onto your serving plate, top with smashed avocado, slice of tomato, poached egg & sprouts. Top with salt & pepper to taste!

Enjoy!