There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking back into your own home after a trip. The house is safe, the air is fresh, and the plumbing is working perfectly! But traveling can be exhausting, and the last thing you want to do is cook a massive meal.
Since I am always looking for ways to support my circulation and keep my blood vessels relaxed after the stress of travel, I always have the ingredients ready for my 3-Ingredient Welcome Home Avocado & Chickpea Smash.
It takes exactly five minutes, requires zero cooking, and is packed with the heart-healthy fats and fiber my body craves after a trip. And because my children absolutely do not share my love for avocados, I get to enjoy the whole bowl myself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas: Rinsed and drained very well. Substitute: Cannellini beans work beautifully for a creamier texture.
- 1 large, ripe avocado: The star of the show! The monounsaturated fats are fantastic for relaxing blood vessels and supporting healthy circulation.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice & a pinch of sea salt: The acid brightens the flavor and keeps the avocado beautifully green.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The “Rough” Mash: Pour the rinsed chickpeas and the scooped avocado flesh into a medium bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash them together. Crucial tip: Leave it chunky! You want the texture of the beans to contrast with the creamy avocado.
2. Season and Rest: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with sea salt (and a little black pepper if you like). Fold it gently. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
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3. Serve with “Vessels”: Since I love setting up interactive food bars, I turn this into a “Welcome Home Topping Station.” I set the bowl on the counter and surround it with crisp cucumber rounds, toasted baguette slices, and sturdy crackers. I keep a jar of toothpicks nearby so I can easily spear a cucumber round and scoop up a perfect bite of the mash.
Because this dish is so rich, creamy, and bright, it pairs absolutely beautifully with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts right through the richness of the avocado, making it feel like a celebratory “I’m home!” dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I already have drain flies in my bathroom? A: If you see tiny fuzzy flies hovering around your sink, it means there is organic buildup in the pipe above the water line in the P-trap. The glass hack won’t fix this. Instead, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush it, or use a natural enzymatic drain cleaner.
Q: Should I cover my drain if I have a mouse problem? A: If you are worried about pests, covering the drain isn’t the answer, as mice can chew through plastic and squeeze through tiny gaps. Instead, focus on sealing the gaps around your plumbing pipes under the sink with steel wool and caulk. And remember my favorite trick: soak cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and tuck them under the sink! Mice despise the smell.
Q: Is it safe to leave the water in the P-trap for a month? A: Yes! As long as your home is climate-controlled (not freezing cold or sweltering hot), the water in the P-trap will easily last for a month or more without evaporating. If you are leaving for six months, just pour a tablespoon of mineral oil down the drain before you leave; it floats on top of the water and prevents evaporation.
Let’s Travel with Peace of Mind!
I truly hope this takes the worry out of your next vacation. It is so empowering to know that we don’t need to fall for stressful internet hacks when good, old-fashioned plumbing science has already solved the problem for us. By taking ten minutes to run the water, turn off the main valve, and unplug the toaster, you are protecting your home and, more importantly, protecting your own heart health by letting go of travel anxiety.
If you try my 3-Ingredient Welcome Home Avocado & Chickpea Smash after your next trip, I would absolutely love to hear how it hit the spot! Do you have a favorite “welcome home” meal that requires zero effort? Drop a comment below to share your wisdom, and please share this article with a friend who is about to travel and might be stressing over those viral sink hacks.
Safe travels, stay healthy, and I’ll see you when you get back!
