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Indonesian Fusion Avocado Smoothie
(from Indonesia)
Andre A Pekerti
Abstract
This is a childhood favorite of mine, thus a sentimental favorite, it also can be found in most local
restaurants in Indonesia. This recipe offers two versions, both refreshing and great for a summer
afternoon drink or pre‐dinner summer drink. The coffee lovers version can be tweaked to be a
dessert. I’ve made this when I lived in Indonesia, Southern California, New Zealand and still make
this here in Queensland, Australia when avocado is in season. I’ve served it to my PhD supervisor (a
long time ago), colleagues – all like both versions.
Theory
As a multi‐cultural individual I take a fusion approach. I must admit, this dish is an acquired taste, it
requires some re‐framing to drink avocado. However, this is also the appeal to guests. I have found
that most who know my multicultural background have been polite enough to try it when I serve it,
but delightfully love it. I have modified it to my taste and guests over the years. In short, it is a
refreshing exotic drink.
International Context
I’ve made the recipe as I went along, simply because I loved it as a kid and still love it. I think it is
uniquely Indonesia; at least I am not aware of any other culture (thus far) that drinks avocado in this
manner. However, as a disclaimer, I have modified this recipe to my taste over the years.
Methodology “Refreshing Version”
Ingredients “Refreshing”
1. Cut avocado in half, throw away seed, and scoop out
the flesh;
1 ripe avocado, but not mushy
2. Remove gritty bits – some avocadoes have gritty bits, 4 tablespoon of caster sugar
but the rest are perfectly fine;
1 cup of ice cubes
3. Place the flesh in a blender or deep bowl if using a
3 tablespoons of lime juice
hand blender;
4. Add all other ingredients;
5. Blend until all ice cubes are crushed and the drink is the consistency of a smoothie.
6. If it is too thick for your taste, add water.
The color of the drink should be a wonderful lime green. Serve in a tall glass with a straw.
Methodology “Coffee Lovers Version”
Follow the same steps as above. However, in the final step,
instead of ice water, use milk to adjust consistency.
The color of the drink should be a dark olive green.
Discussion
Serve in a tall glass with a straw. Again it is still a refreshing summer afternoon drink; a wonderful
alternative to afternoon coffee.
I have tweaked this coffee lovers recipe to make ice cream. If you want to try this, make a thicker
drink (in step 6) and whip an extra 2 minutes. Then immediately place in a bowl that is freezer safe
and freeze immediately. It should form an ice cream consistency within 1 to 2 hours. To serve, take a
solid metal spoon and scrape the top of the ice rather than scoop. You’ll find that it will scrape to the
consistency of a sorbet.
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Ingredients “Coffee Lover”
1 ripe avocado, but not mushy
4 tablespoon of condensed milk
1 cup of ice cubes
A shot of coffee (cooled down)