Avocado Toast Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 slices artisan bread (sourdough or whole grain recommended)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large ripe avocado</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 lemon, juiced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (Maldon or fleur de sel)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, microgreens, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, poached egg</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Toaster or toaster oven</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small bowl for mashing avocado</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by selecting perfectly ripe avocados - they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Add the lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Using a fork, mash the avocado to your preferred consistency. Some prefer a completely smooth spread, while others enjoy a chunkier texture with visible pieces of avocado. Add half the olive oil, half the salt, and the black pepper, then mix gently. The lemon juice not only prevents browning but also brightens the flavor of the avocado.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Toast your bread slices until they're golden brown and crisp on the outside but still slightly soft in the middle. The perfect toast provides a sturdy base that won't become soggy under the avocado but isn't so hard it's difficult to bite through.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Once toasted, lightly drizzle the remaining olive oil over each slice. This creates a slight barrier between the bread and avocado, helping to prevent sogginess while adding rich flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Generously spread the mashed avocado mixture onto each slice of toast, creating an even layer about 1 cm thick. The ideal ratio is important - too little avocado and the toast will be dry, too much and it becomes difficult to eat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining flaky sea salt, allowing the crystals to sit on top rather than mixing them in. This provides delightful bursts of saltiness with each bite. Add any optional toppings of your choice - red pepper flakes add heat, microgreens add freshness, cherry tomatoes add juicy acidity, feta adds creamy saltiness, and a poached egg adds richness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and the avocado is at its freshest. For the best experience, enjoy your avocado toast right after assembling - this simple dish truly shines when eaten fresh!</li></ol>