Groceries For One

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. We’ve all been there: staring into the abyss of a mostly empty fridge, dreading the thought of cooking for one. The struggle is real, my friend. But what if I told you that you could whip up something ridiculously delicious, satisfying, and Instagram-worthy with minimal effort and even less cleanup? Something that screams “I have my life together, even if my socks don’t match”?

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it’s basically the culinary equivalent of a high-five for your taste buds, specifically engineered for the magnificent solo diner. It’s **idiot-proof**, I swear, even I didn’t mess it up, and my track record for kitchen disasters is legendary. We’re talking fresh, flavorful, and filling, all while using just a handful of ingredients. No sad leftovers languishing in the fridge for days, no complex techniques, just pure, unadulterated “treat yo’ self” goodness. Plus, it looks fancy enough that if you *did* have company, they’d think you actually tried.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my fellow food enthusiasts. Here’s what you’ll need for your solo culinary adventure. Don’t skimp on quality here; you deserve the best!

• 1 slice of good bread: We’re talking sourdough, artisan rye, or a hearty whole grain. None of that flimsy white stuff, we’re better than that.
• 1 perfectly ripe avocado: The kind that gives a little when you gently squeeze it, like a shy hug. Not rock-hard, not mushy.
• 1 large egg: Your choice of happy hen’s offering. We’re gonna make it jammy, but fried or poached works too.
• A drizzle of good olive oil: Because flavor.
• Flaky sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper: The non-negotiables.
• Optional jazz hands (aka toppings): Chili flakes, everything bagel seasoning, a squeeze of lemon/lime, crumbled feta or goat cheese, fresh herbs. Pick your poison!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first: **Toast your bread** to golden perfection. Use a toaster, toaster oven, or even a pan with a tiny bit of butter for extra crispiness. We want that crunch!
2. While your bread is getting its tan on, **prep your avocado**. Cut it in half, remove the pit (carefully, please!), and scoop out the glorious green flesh into a small bowl.
3. Now, **mash that avocado** with a fork. You want it creamy but with a few chunky bits for texture. Season generously with flaky sea salt and black pepper. A little lemon juice can brighten things up here, FYI.
4. Time for the star: **cook your egg**. For a perfect jammy egg, gently lower it into boiling water for 6-7 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then peel. Or, fry it sunny-side up until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny. You do you.
5. Once your toast is ready, **spread the mashed avocado** generously over it. Don’t be shy; this is your moment.
6. Carefully **place your egg** on top of the avocado. If it’s a jammy egg, slice it in half to reveal that beautiful, gooey center.
7. Now for the grand finale: **drizzle with olive oil** and sprinkle with your chosen jazz hands. Chili flakes add a nice kick, and everything bagel seasoning makes it extra gourmet.
8. **Devour immediately.** Seriously, don’t wait. This beauty waits for no one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a cold, hard avocado: This isn’t a game, people. Plan ahead. If it’s rock solid, put it in a paper bag with a banana overnight. Trust me.
• Forgetting to season: Avocado without salt and pepper is just… green mush. And we’re aiming for gloriousness.
• Overcooking the egg: A dry, chalky yolk is a travesty. Aim for gooey, runny, or jammy. Your future self will thank you.
• Skimping on the bread: Your base matters! A flimsy slice won’t hold up to the avocado goodness. Invest in the good stuff.
• Not eating it immediately: Avocado toast has a short, glorious window of perfection. Don’t let it get soggy.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous or missing an ingredient? No stress! This recipe is super flexible, like a culinary yoga instructor.

• No avocado? Try a smear of cream cheese with some smoked salmon, or a rich ricotta with a drizzle of honey.
• Not an egg fan? (Gasp!) Skip it, or top with some grilled halloumi, canned sardines (don’t knock it till you try it!), or a handful of roasted chickpeas for protein.
• Spice it up: Instead of chili flakes, add a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of cayenne, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Cheesy dreams: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even a shaving of Parmesan can elevate things.
• Greens, please: A few fresh spinach leaves or some microgreens can add a lovely touch of freshness.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use regular white bread? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? You deserve better. IMO, the sturdier the bread, the better the toast.
• How do I know if my avocado is ripe? It should yield slightly to gentle pressure, like a firm handshake. Also, the little stem cap should come off easily and reveal green underneath.
• What if I hate eggs? Blasphemy! Just kidding. As mentioned above, smoked salmon, roasted chickpeas, or even just some extra veggies like cherry tomatoes work great.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Avocado toast is like a good secret; it’s best enjoyed fresh. The avocado will brown, and the toast will get soggy. Embrace the immediacy!
• Is this actually a full meal? For one glorious person, absolutely! If you’re feeling extra peckish, maybe add a side of fruit or a small green salad, but trust me, this is surprisingly filling.
• What’s a jammy egg? It’s like the perfect middle ground between a hard-boiled and a soft-boiled egg. The yolk is soft and custard-like, but not fully runny. Pure bliss!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! A ridiculously easy, incredibly tasty, and utterly satisfying meal for one that requires minimal brain power and even less cleanup. No more sad desk lunches or takeout guilt. You’ve just unlocked a new level of solo culinary greatness. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new skills. You’ve earned it!