Ah, guacamole—it’s like a fiesta in a bowl, isn’t it? Whether you’re lounging on the couch watching the latest binge-worthy series or hosting a lively taco night with friends, a good guac can elevate any occasion. And let’s face it, there’s something almost magical about mashing those creamy avocados with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro—it’s like crafting a little piece of culinary art.
Steps
- Cut three ripe avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado until it reaches your preferred consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- Add finely diced yellow onion, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeno pepper (without seeds), and minced garlic to the bowl.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with sea salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
- To keep any leftover guacamole fresh, press it into a container to remove air pockets and pour a thin layer of water on top before sealing and refrigerating. Drain the water and stir before serving again.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 554.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 36.9g | Protein: 7.5g | Fat: 47.4g | Saturated Fat: 6.6g | Sodium: 916.5mg | Fiber: 22.8g | Sugar: 5.1g
FAQ
- What are the essential ingredients for an authentic guacamole?
- Authentic guacamole is crafted using a few essential ingredients: ripe avocados, onion (yellow or red), Roma tomatoes, fresh cilantro, jalapeno or serrano pepper, garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients blend together to create a flavorful and genuine guacamole experience.
- How can I select the best avocados for guacamole?
- To choose the best avocados, look for ones that are ripe yet firm. Avoid those that are overly soft or mushy. A good tip is to select avocados with the stem still attached, as this indicates fewer chances of brown spots inside. When gently pressed, the avocado should feel firm with just a slight give.
- What is the best method to keep guacamole fresh and green?
- To maintain guacamole’s color and freshness, store it in an airtight container and flatten the surface with a spoon. Pour about half an inch of cold water over the top, seal the container, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply drain the water, stir, and enjoy. This method can keep guacamole fresh for up to three days.
- Can I use bottled lime juice for guacamole?
- While bottled lime juice is convenient, it’s recommended to use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Fresh limes, especially Mexican limes, provide a more vibrant taste that enhances the guacamole’s overall flavor profile.
- What can I do if my guacamole turns out too watery?
- To prevent watery guacamole, use Roma tomatoes, which are less juicy than other varieties. Additionally, ensure you gently mash the avocados and combine the ingredients carefully to achieve the desired consistency. If it still turns out too watery, try draining some excess liquid and adjusting the ingredients accordingly.
Tips
- Choose avocados that are ripe but still firm, ensuring they have the stem attached to avoid brown spots inside. They should have a slight give when gently pressed.
- Opt for Roma tomatoes as they are less juicy, which prevents your guacamole from becoming watery.
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled for the best flavor, and consider using Mexican limes which yield about 1 to 2 tablespoons of juice.
- To keep leftover guacamole green, place it in a container, press it flat with a spoon, add about 1/2 inch of cold water on top, seal with a lid, and refrigerate. Drain the water before serving.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – A sturdy mixing bowl for mashing and mixing ingredients.
- Food Storage Containers – Airtight containers to store leftover guacamole and keep it fresh.
- Citrus Juicer – A handheld or electric juicer to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality knife for finely chopping and dicing ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board for preparing ingredients.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic cloves easily.
