Forget everything you think you know about guacamole. This recipe isn't just about mashing avocados; it's about crafting a vibrant, flavorful dip that rivals anything you'd find at your favorite Mexican restaurant – only better, because it's homemade! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun game day snack, or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create a truly delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados (Hass avocados are best)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, 1 ripe mango diced, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Avocados: Gently cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl.
- Mash (Don't Overdo It!): Using a fork, mash the avocados to your desired consistency. Some people prefer chunky guacamole, while others prefer it smoother. Aim for a balance; you want some texture, not a puree.
- Add the Flavor Boosters: Add the chopped red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Gently Combine: Using the fork, gently mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the guacamole watery.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lime juice for acidity, salt for saltiness, or jalapeño for heat.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: Guacamole is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before covering.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Guacamole:
- Avocado Ripeness is Key: Choose avocados that yield to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. Slightly underripe avocados are better than overripe ones.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Using fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño will elevate the flavor of your guacamole significantly.
- Don't Overmash: Overmashing will result in a pasty, less flavorful guacamole. Aim for a chunky-smooth texture.
- Seasoning is Everything: Taste and adjust seasonings as you go. This allows you to customize the flavor to your preferences.
Variations:
- Bacon Guacamole: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
- Tropical Guacamole: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.
- Spicy Guacamole: Increase the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Classic Guacamole: Omit the mango or other additions for a simple, traditional version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on avocado size and additions)
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 6-8g
This easy and delicious whole foods guacamole recipe is a perfect addition to your healthy meal repertoire. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or the best recipes for homemade cooking, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy!