Guacamole is a creamy and flavorful dip that hails from Mexico. It’s made primarily from ripe avocados and is perfect for serving with tortilla chips. This vibrant green dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
Why Make This Recipe
Making guacamole is a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients and add a burst of flavor to your meals. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual snack, or adding a tasty twist to your tacos, guacamole is always a hit. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste.
How to Make Guacamole
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (divided)
- 3 tablespoons minced white onion
- ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt (not table salt or fine grain salt)
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper (stem, seeds, and membranes removed; diced)
- 2 pounds avocados (about 4 small) halved, pitted, and cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
- Chopped fresh tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Directions:
- In a mortar and pestle, mash 2 tablespoons of cilantro, minced onion, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the diced jalapeño into a paste.
- If your mortar is large enough, add the cubed avocado and lime juice to the cilantro paste. Lightly mash together until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too small, transfer everything to a bowl and mix.
- Gently mix in the remaining chopped cilantro.
- Taste your guacamole and adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed.
- If you like, garnish the guacamole with chopped tomatoes and serve with tortilla chips.
How to Serve Guacamole
Guacamole is best served fresh. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. You can also use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads to add creaminess and flavor.
How to Store Guacamole
If you need to save guacamole, place it in an airtight container. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing the lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but it’s best to eat it fresh.
Tips to Make Guacamole
- Choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. They should feel soft but not mushy when gently squeezed.
- Adjust the heat by using more or less jalapeño according to your taste.
- For extra zest, try adding minced garlic or diced red onion.
Variation
You can add different ingredients to your guacamole for variety. Some people enjoy adding diced mango, corn, or even a touch of cumin for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make guacamole ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best made fresh. If you must make it ahead, store it properly in an airtight container with plastic wrap touching the surface.
2. What can I eat with guacamole?
Guacamole is perfect with tortilla chips, but it also pairs well with tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads.
3. How do I know if my avocados are ripe?
Ripe avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure. If they feel hard, they need more time to ripen.
Guacamole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pounds 2 pounds avocados (about 4 small), halved, pitted, and cubed Choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
- ¼ cup ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided Add one part for the paste and the remaining as garnish.
- 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons minced white onion
- ½-¾ teaspoon ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt Adjust according to taste.
- 1 fresh 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, stem, seeds, and membranes removed; diced Adjust heat by using more or less jalapeño according to taste.
- 2-3 tablespoons 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1-2 limes) Adjust according to taste.
- optional Chopped fresh tomatoes, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving Best served fresh.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mortar and pestle, mash 2 tablespoons of cilantro, minced onion, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the diced jalapeño into a paste.
- If your mortar is large enough, add the cubed avocado and lime juice to the cilantro paste. Lightly mash together until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too small, transfer everything to a bowl and mix.
- Gently mix in the remaining chopped cilantro.
- Taste your guacamole and adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed.
- If you like, garnish the guacamole with chopped tomatoes.
