# 'What do you make of this?' (A thread for recipes with stuff you have) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [November 15, 2025, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883 "2025-11-15T22:10:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/1 "2025-11-15T22:10:51Z")
Have ingredients you’re not sure what to do with? Post here. I’ll start. Avocados, a tomato, and a red onion. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/2 "2025-11-15T22:16:00Z")
This? I could make a hat, or a broach, or a pterodactyl… More seriously, I’d say guacamole, although it would be better if you also had a Serrano pepper and a lime. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/3 "2025-11-15T22:19:51Z")
I agree with guacamole. It’d be a little incomplete but probably still good. You could probably do something with eggs too (like scrambled eggs). Of course, that adds eggs as an ingredient. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/4 "2025-11-15T22:21:05Z")
The Spousal Unit thinks guacamole has too much stuff in it. She makes ‘avocado dip’. I was thinking some sort of salad, chopped and maybe with mayo. > [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Of course, that adds eggs as an ingredient. We always have eggs. I think I wasn’t clear. I’m not saying I can use _only_ the avocado, onion, and tomato. Just what can I use them for other than sandwiches (or guacamole)? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/5 "2025-11-15T22:26:06Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > The Spousal Unit thinks guacamole has too much stuff in it. Spousal unit might like this guacamole recipe then (not a lot in it)🙂 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/PFu7r-MTh-I/maxresdefault.jpg "How to Make Great Guacamole") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFu7r-MTh-I) ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/6 "2025-11-15T22:28:23Z")
I posted too soon and cannot edit that post cuz the video is in it. Here is the recipe: > **[Perfect Guacamole Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-best-basic-guacamole-recipe)** > > Properly handling the avocados and flavorings yields the most flavorful guacamole with the best texture. ``` 1/2 of 1 medium white onion (about 4 ounces; 113 g), roughly chopped 1 serrano chile, stemmed and roughly chopped (remove seeds before chopping for a less hot result) 1/2 cup picked cilantro leaves and tender stems, finely chopped, divided Kosher salt 4 ripe Hass avocados (about 7 ounces; 200 g each) 2 to 3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes) ``` ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/7 "2025-11-15T22:30:07Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > The Spousal Unit thinks guacamole has too much stuff in it. She makes ‘avocado dip’. I was thinking some sort of salad, chopped and maybe with mayo. Guacamole doesn’t have to have a lot of stuff in it. It could be as simple as avocado and salt. Add some lime if you’re feeling daring. The whole avocado + pico de gallo version is just one of many. See here, for instance: > **[Easy Guacamole Recipe](https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/simple-guacamole-recipe-best-ever/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)** > > This 3-ingredient simple guacamole recipe is easy, delicious, and never fails to wow everyone who's ever tasted it. Made with ripe avocados, salt, and lime juice, you'll never use another guacamole recipe again! I generally prefer my guacamoles without tomato, but I’ll usually add some garlic and/or finely diced onion to the above. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/8 "2025-11-15T22:32:01Z")
Sounds like some amazing add-ins for a salad @Johnny_L.A - mixed greens, drizzled with the option of your choice (I have this Thai Mint Lemongrass Balsamic that would be great) topped with sliced or wedged tomatoes, diced red onion, and slices of the avocados. Maybe some smashed peanuts to turn up the Thai style a bit, and some fresh/fresh defrosted cooked shrimp if you want some more lean protein. Serve with a side of sticky rice. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/9 "2025-11-15T22:32:09Z")
That screams for a Avocado toast. Can we have staples like bread, eggs, milk? I see eggs have been mentioned so I’m going with you can have “other” things. So yeah a slab of buttered toasted hearty bread. Thin slices of the veg. Yummy! ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/10 "2025-11-15T22:34:31Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > She makes ‘avocado dip’. Kinda what I do. Very simple: mashed up avocado, some lemon olive oil and salt. Shovel it onto a toasted bagel and top with chopped tomato or whatever. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/11 "2025-11-15T22:40:28Z")
I got a whole jar of cardamom pods. I forget what I even bought them for. What can I use them in? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/12 "2025-11-15T22:44:10Z")
It’s a super common spice in many, many Indian dishes so check there for starters (loads of options to choose from…chicken tikka masala, biryani, and pulao leap to mind). Just remember spices go bad over time. Not rotten…just lose their potency. If that jar has been on the shelf for two years it’s probably not worth keeping. It’s no small task to make this biryani but if you pull it off your the hero: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/au2v9cevX0c/maxresdefault.jpg "POV: Cooking the Ultimate Biryani (Step by Step Guide)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au2v9cevX0c) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/13 "2025-11-15T22:56:52Z")
Cardamom can also be used in chai. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/14 "2025-11-15T22:57:43Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > your you’re 🤦‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/15 "2025-11-15T23:07:20Z")
Cardamon is what I use in faux Turkish Coffee cold brew, but my favorite application is in dessert rice pudding, either a “western” variant or in Kheer. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/16 "2025-11-15T23:14:45Z")
When you’re ready to use the cardamom crack the pods open, extract the little round seeds, discard the husks. Unless you’re just long simmering them in a spice bag or something and will throw out the whole pod when done. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/17 "2025-11-15T23:23:47Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Just remember spices go bad over time. Not rotten…just lose their potency. If that jar has been on the shelf for two years it’s probably not worth keeping. Which is why you should keep your more expensive spices in the freezer. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/18 "2025-11-16T04:08:14Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > lose their potency. If that jar has been on the shelf for two years it’s probably not worth keeping. Or just use more of it in the recipe, especially if you’re not likely to ever use it again. Plus the cardamom pods release a lot more flavor after the seeds are pounded. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/19 "2025-11-16T04:10:17Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > What can I use them in? If you like to bake, there are Swedish buns that are flavored with cardamom. (East) Indian rice pudding uses it, too. ---
**Author:** ![Apodder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apodder/32/17727_2.png) [@Apodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apodder)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883/20 "2025-11-16T17:25:39Z")
Agree with your spouse! I often have too many avocados (thanks, Costco!) and need to use them up so I’ll just mash them with minced onion, salt, and lime juice. Num. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-make-of-this-a-thread-for-recipes-with-stuff-you-have/1024883.md?page=2)