Iceland-Inspired Avocado Toast With Mushrooms & Balsamic

I know what you're thinking—what's so Icelandic about an avocado toast?! Strictly speaking, there is nothing. But I did eat the best avocado toast of my life in Reykjavik in September 2016, and I'm still thinking about it. As a vegan, I've eaten my fair share of avo toasts in many restaurants, in many cities around the world, sometimes even at restaurants *specializing in avocado toasts*, and the one I ate in Vinyl cafe is still hands-down the most memorable. (The second favorite avocado toast was at Cafe Select in Nolita, NYC, a Swiss bistro. Yet another place far from the tropical habitat of avocados!) (Yes, we've talked about the ecological cost of raising and shipping avocados—which is why we recommend being mindful and choosing organic.)

My attempt at recreating Vinyl's unforgettable avocado toast was a success. I would gladly eat this for lunch every day! There are no extreme ingredients here, but the trick is to use good-quality stuff (use the BEST aged, syrupy balsamic you can find!) and to make it with love and care. Enjoy!

avocado toast on a plate next to orange slices

Iceland-Inspired Avocado Toast With Mushrooms & Balsamic

Recipe Type: Breakfast Sandwiches

YIELDS 2 small toasts or 1 large toast

PREP TIME 02 min

COOK TIME 10 min

TOTAL TIME 12 min

1 ripe avocado
5 mushrooms, sliced thinly
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
sprinkle dried thyme
1–2 shallots, sliced (can sub red onion)
2 tsp aged balsamic vinegar
2 slices bread
1 tsp vegan butter
to taste salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pain over high heat. When it’s hot, add shallots and mushrooms. Add salt and black pepper (to taste) and thyme, stir fry for about 5–6 minutes until mushrooms are caramelized and brown. Turn off heat.

2. Mash avocado in a bowl. Add salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Melt vegan butter in a clean non-stick pan. Add bread and toast on each side until golden brown. Alternatively, you can use a toaster.

4. To assemble, lay the toast, smear a thick layer of avocado mash, top with mushrooms, and drizzle with the highest quality balsamic vinegar you can find. I used aged Modena fig vinegar. Bon appetit!

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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling