Are you in a rush but craving something delicious and homemade? Don't worry, guacamole has got your back! It's a quick and easy dip that you can make in only 10 minutes. With simple ingredients like ripe avocados, lime, and a handful of spices, you're all set for a tasty treat.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, you'll be whipping up a bowl of this creamy green goodness in no time. So, grab your avocados, sharpen your knife, and get ready for a culinary fiesta as you learn how to craft the perfect homemade guacamole.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This guacamole recipe is an absolute win for several reasons. First and foremost, it's incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal prep time. Simply mash ripe avocados, finely chopped onions, garlic, fresh lime juice, salt, and cilantro, together, and in minutes, you have a deliciously simple dip ready to go any time of the day or night. Yes, that's right. You just met your new late-night snack.
Not only is this guacamole a delicious choice, but also a healthy one. Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and an array of essential nutrients, while fresh lime and cilantro contribute vitamins and antioxidants. And because it's so healthy, you don't have to feel bad when you inevitably devour the entire bowl.
This tasty guacamole is also a versatile addition to several dishes. It's perfect for dipping or as a topping for tacos, nachos, burritos, etc. The versatility of this guacamole recipe, in addition to the flavorful, fresh ingredients used, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking both flavor and nutrition in a hurry.
Ingredients
Avocado:
When making guacamole, it is imperative to choose avocados that are ripe but not overripe. When you are shopping for avocados, give them a squeeze. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy and their skin should be more on the brown side than the green side. If they're too firm, they won't mash well, and if they're too ripe, they may be brown inside.
Lime Juice:
Lime juice adds a bright flavor to the guacamole and helps prevent the avocados from browning. Start with the juice of half a lime, taste, and add more as needed. Be careful not to overdo it. If you don't have limes on hand, lemon or grapefruit juice will work as well.
Cilantro:
Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor to your guacamole. However, half of the people on this planet taste soap when they eat it. So, if you are one of those people, you can absolutely omit the cilantro or substitute it with fresh parsley.
Jalapeno:
Contrary to what you might think about jalapenos, the pepper itself isn't hot, so if you are concerned that the jalapeno will make it too spicy for you, you needn't worry because the pepper just adds flavor. The seeds of the jalapeno pepper are where the heat lives. So you can customize the heat level of your guacamole to your liking with the seeds of the jalapeno. Remove the seeds and membranes for milder heat, or leave them in for spicier guacamole.
How to Make Guacamole
Step One:
Dice your onion and jalapeno. Set aside.
Step Two:
Using a mortar and pestle, crush pepper and garlic into a paste.
Step Three:
Add salt and diced jalapeno. Continue crushing into a paste.
Step Four:
Add the onion and grind that into the paste as well.
Step Five:
Add the avocado, cilantro, and lime juice, and continue to work that in to be as chunky or smooth as you like.
Step Six:
Serve with tortilla chips, and enjoy!
Tips
- If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can still make this guacamole. Simply dice everything as fine as you can. Mince the garlic, and dice the onions up really small. The key is to release as many of the juices from the ingredients as you can to give the guac more flavor. The finer the chop, the more juices are released.
- Make sure you taste your guacamole as you go and adjust the ingredients to your preference. Everyone's ideal guacamole is slightly different.
- While this guacamole is an authentic-style recipe, you can certainly get creative and make it your own. Experiment with additional seasonings and ingredients like tomatoes, paprika, pomegranate seeds, roasted garlic, black pepper, corn, or crumbled queso fresco for an interesting twist.
- Choose ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
What to Serve With Guacamole
Guacamole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dip that pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. It's a perfect accompaniment for nachos and salsa, providing a creamy contrast to the crunch of the tortilla chips. Additionally, guacamole is a fantastic topping for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, adding a burst of freshness to these savory dishes. For a healthier option, you could serve it with grilled shrimp and pineapple salsa atop a crispy tostada. Any way you eat it, this guacamole's creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
FAQs
Can I make guacamole in advance?
While It's best when consumed within a day, you can make guacamole in advance, but it's best to store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning.
How can I make my guacamole creamier?
If you'd like to make your guacamole creamier, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream, olive oil, or Greek yogurt. Alternatively, some people like to blend a small portion of the avocado before mixing it into the chunky guacamole.
How long can leftover guacamole be stored?
Store your leftover guacamole in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap directly on top to prevent air exposure. When stored this way, guacamole can typically last in the refrigerator for a day or two. For longer-term storage, you can freeze it. However, be aware that avocados change texture and color once they have been frozen, so this may affect the quality of your guacamole once it thaws.
More Delicious Dip Recipes
If you love a good dip and enjoy this guacamole recipe, then you will love this collection of delicious dips that you can make any time you want to have a little fun with your meal.
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Looking for more tasty Mexican recipes to make with your guacamole for an upcoming fiesta? We've got you covered with this collection of Mexican recipes.
Guacamole
Ingredients
- ½ red onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper whole
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt coarse
- 1 avocado
- 3 tablespoons cilantro
- ½ lime juice
Instructions
- Dice your onion and jalapeno. Set aside.
- Using a mortar and pestle, crush pepper and garlic into a paste.
- Add salt and diced jalapeno. Continue crushing into a paste.
- Add the onion and grind that into the paste as well.
- Add the avocado, cilantro, and lime juice, and continue to work that in to be as chunky or smooth as you like.
- Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Choose ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
- You can still make this guacamole even if you don't have a mortar and pestle. Dice everything as fine as you can. Mince the garlic, and dice the onions up really small. The key is to release as many juices from the ingredients as possible to give the guac more flavor. The finer the chop, the more juices are released.
- Make sure you taste your guacamole as you go and adjust the ingredients to your preference. Everyone's ideal guacamole is slightly different.
- While this guacamole is an authentic-style recipe, you can get creative and make it your own. For an exciting twist, experiment with additional seasonings and ingredients like tomatoes, paprika, pomegranate seeds, roasted garlic, black pepper, corn, or crumbled queso fresco.
- Store leftovers with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent browning.