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If you follow me on any social media you already know that I can’t go a day without guacamole, or a least some variation of avocados. Usually it is a mashed version on my toast as I find that avocado toast is not only a healthy way to start the day, but because there is a lot of natural fat in avocados that it keeps me full for a very long time (keeping me from snacking).
But, today we’re not talking about my breakfast, we’re talking specifically about guacamole, that delightful and versatile dip, that has long been a staple in Mexican cuisine and has become a part of all of our lives here in the US (and around the world as well). We all know that the primary ingredient, avocado, is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making guacamole a healthy addition to any diet. I would be lying to you if I said that I make my own every day (sometimes I get lazy and buy a tub at the supermarket), but 80% of the time I just take out my trusty mortar and pestle and some nice ripe avocados and wonder why I don’t do this every single day.
Why Make Your Own Guacamole?
1. Freshness: The key to great guacamole is using fresh, ripe avocados. Store-bought guacamole often contains preservatives to extend its shelf life, which can compromise taste and texture. When you make it at home, you control the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
2. Health Benefits: Avocados are a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in vitamins (K, C, B5, B6, E), folate, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They also contain more potassium than bananas. By making guacamole at home, you can reap these health benefits without the additives and preservatives found in some commercial brands.
3. Customizable Flavor: Everyone has their preference when it comes to the taste of guacamole. Some like it spicy, others tangy, or with a hint of sweetness. Making your own allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
4. Fun and Fulfilling: There’s something gratifying about making your own dips. It’s a fun activity that can be shared with family and friends, and it often tastes better because it’s made with love.
Classic Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the pulp into a bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in lime juice and salt.
- Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic.
- Add cayenne pepper for a bit of heat if desired.
- Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Spicy Guacamole
Ingredients:
- Follow the classic recipe
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Follow the classic recipe, adding jalapeño and red pepper flakes with the other vegetables.
Tropical Guacamole
Ingredients:
- Follow the classic recipe
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup diced mango
Instructions:
- Follow the classic recipe, adding pineapple and mango with the tomatoes.
Guacamole with a Twist
Ingredients:
- Follow the classic recipe
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds
Instructions:
- Follow the classic recipe, adding feta cheese and pomegranate seeds after mixing in the vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Guacamole
- Choosing Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe. They should feel slightly soft when gently pressed.
- Preventing Browning: Avocado browns quickly when exposed to air. To keep your guacamole green, add lime juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap if not serving immediately.
- Texture: Some people prefer chunky guacamole, while others like it smooth. Adjust the mashing to your texture preference.
- Serving: Guacamole is versatile. Serve it with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos or burgers, or with vegetables for a healthier option.
Conclusion
Making your own guacamole at home is not only a healthier option but also a fun and creative way to enhance your culinary skills. It allows you to experiment with flavors and textures, tailoring the dip to your personal preference. The recipes provided here are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and add your own special touch. Whether it’s for a casual snack, a family gathering, or a special occasion, homemade guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
EXTRA – HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT AVOCADO
Determining the ripeness of an avocado is crucial for making perfect guacamole. Here are some tips to help you identify an avocado that is ripe enough for mashing but not overripe:
- Color: The color of an avocado’s skin can be a good initial indicator of ripeness. Hass avocados, the most common variety, turn from green to a dark purplish-black as they ripen. However, color can sometimes be misleading, as avocados might remain green even when ripe.
- Feel: Gently squeeze the avocado without applying your fingertips, as this can cause bruising. A ripe avocado will yield to firm, gentle pressure, feeling slightly soft but not mushy. If it feels very firm or does not yield to gentle pressure, it needs more time to ripen. If it feels very soft or mushy, it may be overripe.
- Stem Check: Flick off the dry stem at the top of the avocado. If it comes away easily and you see green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If you see brown, the avocado is likely overripe. If the stem doesn’t come off, it needs more time to ripen.
- Weight: A ripe avocado should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is full of moisture and not dried out.
- Skin Texture: For Hass avocados, the skin becomes more bumpy as they ripen.
- Sniff Test: Sometimes, you can smell a slight fruity aroma near the stem when an avocado is ripe.
Remember, avocados continue to ripen after being picked. If you buy underripe avocados, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. The ethylene gas emitted by these fruits helps in the ripening process. Conversely, to slow down ripening, store avocados in the refrigerator.
Choosing the right avocado is the first step to making great guacamole. Once you’ve mastered this skill, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, homemade guacamole.
FYI: The best mortar & pestle that I’ve found is this one by Gorilla Grip as it really stays put in the palm of your hand as you’re mashing. I found it AFTER I created this article and at under $20 it now makes it so much easier to make my guac each day.
