Carrot, Sweet Onion, and Avocado on Crunchy Bread with Pumpkin Seeds

Name: Carrot, Sweet Onion, and Avocado on Crunchy Bread with Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds, toasted; 2 1/2 ounces sweet onion, such as Vidalia, very thinly shaved on a mandoline (3/4 cup); 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon raw (hulled) pumpkin seeds; 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, divided; 2 slices seeded multigrain bread; 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 large carrot, thinly shaved with a peeler (1 3/4 cup); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn if large; 1/2 large Hass avocado, sliced (4 ounces sliced avocado flesh)

Recipe photo courtesy of Yunhee Kim

Soaking the shaved onions briefly in ice water both crisps them up and takes away the burn sometimes associated with raw onions.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, June 2012

20 mins 20 mins 2

Total Time Prep Servings

Ingredients

Directions

1. Coarsely grind coriander seeds in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Place onion in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. Drain, then let dry on paper towels in refrigerator.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small saucepan until hot. Add pumpkin seeds, and cook, swirling pan constantly, until plumped and toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. (Pumpkin seeds can be prepared 1 day ahead.)
3. Heat a large nonstick saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Brush both sides of bread slices with 1 teaspoon oil total. Toast bread in skillet until brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. Whisk together lime zest and juice with remaining teaspoon oil. Add onion, carrot, basil, half the coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and toss well. Top each slice of bread with half the avocado, and season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining coriander. Top with salad and pumpkin seeds.

Cook's Notes

Slicing Safely
When shaving with a mandoline, the trick is to use the protective guard at the right time. As the piece of produce gets smaller and your fingers draw nearer the blade, firmly press the teeth of the guard into the vegetable, making sure it's secure. Keep a good grip on the mandoline at all times.