Avocado toast, chili & lime
Avocado toast became an Instagram cliché in the 2010s, but Mexicans have been eating avocado on bread for centuries, and they do it better than anyone. The Mexican version is bright, sharp, alive: a ripe avocado smashed onto warm toast, finished with chili flakes, a generous squeeze of lime, flaky salt, and a few cilantro leaves. No fancy garnishes, no labneh, no microgreens. Five minutes, three ingredients, one excellent breakfast. The key is heat: chili and avocado together is the secret that turns a basic toast into something that wakes up your morning.
Method
Toast the bread.
Toast or grill the sourdough until deeply golden and crisp on the outside. It needs structure to hold the avocado.
Mash the avocado.
Halve the avocado, remove the stone. Scoop into a bowl. Add lime juice, a pinch of salt, and mash with a fork. Keep it chunky — not smooth.
Assemble and serve.
Spread the avocado generously over the toast. Finish with lime zest, chili flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, and flaky salt. Eat immediately.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I pick a ripe avocado?
- Gently squeeze, it should yield slightly under thumb pressure (like a peach), with no soft spots. Dark green-brown skin (not bright green). If avocados in the shop are unripe, buy a day ahead and let them sit on the counter.
- What kind of bread is best?
- A real sourdough country loaf with structure and crust. Cut slices 1.5cm thick. Avoid soft sandwich bread, it goes soggy under the avocado.
- What chili flakes work?
- Mexican chili flakes (Tajín or pure chile de árbol) are most authentic. Aleppo pepper, gochugaru, or Italian peperoncini all work. Avoid heat-only chili (cayenne), you want flavour, not just spice.
- Can I add eggs or other toppings?
- Yes, a fried or poached egg on top makes it a meal. Crumbled queso fresco, sliced radish, or a few pickled jalapeños all work. Keep additions minimal, the avocado should still be the star.
- Is avocado toast healthy?
- Yes, in moderation. Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, and potassium. A typical slice (1/2 avocado on sourdough) is about 280 calories, 6g protein, 14g fat, mostly healthy.
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