Introduction
Guacamole is a beloved Mexican dip, celebrated for its creamy avocado base, zesty lime, and fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for parties, taco nights, or as a snack, this versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it ideal for cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic guacamole, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados (Hass preferred)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 small Roma tomato, seeded and diced, for texture
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced, for depth
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For Serving:
- Tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices
- Suggested Pairings: Salsa, queso fresco, or margaritas
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Avocados: Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a medium bowl. Mash with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
- Add Flavors: Add red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional tomato or garlic. Gently stir to combine, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the guacamole and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt as needed. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavor, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning) and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos, paired with suggested sides like salsa or margaritas.
Tips for Better Guacamole
- Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure; avoid overripe ones with dark spots.
- Dice ingredients finely for a balanced texture and flavor in every bite.
- Use fresh lime juice for brightness; bottled juice lacks vibrancy.
- Keep one avocado pit in the bowl and press plastic wrap onto the surface to slow oxidation if not serving immediately.
- Taste with a chip to gauge saltiness, as chips vary in salt content.
- Prepare just before serving for the freshest flavor and color, as avocados brown quickly.
- Use a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic) to avoid metallic flavors from citrus.
- For smoother guacamole, blend ingredients in a food processor, but don’t overmix.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Guacamole: Naturally gluten-free; ensure tortilla chips or sides are gluten-free.
- Vegan Guacamole: Naturally vegan; no adjustments needed.
- Spicy Guacamole: Increase jalapeño to 1 whole pepper or add 1/4 tsp chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Fruity Guacamole: Stir in 1/2 cup diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Creamy Guacamole: Mix in 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
- Smoky Guacamole: Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle in adobo.
- Pomegranate Guacamole: Top with 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds for a festive, tart crunch.
- Bacon Guacamole: Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon and top with extra bacon bits.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface in the fridge for up to 1 day; stir before serving.
- Do not freeze, as avocados lose texture and flavor when frozen.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor.
- Use leftovers as a spread on sandwiches, toast, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
- Pair with a cold beer, margarita, or sparkling water with lime.
- Serve in a wide, shallow bowl to make dipping easier and showcase vibrant colors.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings, but prepare in batches to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (about 1/2 cup each, without optional add-ins):
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 20% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 4% Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in healthy fats and fiber but moderate in sodium. For dietary needs, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan. Its nutrient density makes it a wholesome dip.
Conclusion
This guacamole recipe delivers a fresh, creamy dip that’s perfect for parties, taco nights, or casual snacking. Its quick preparation and vibrant flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The creamy avocados and zesty lime create a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe is sure to become a go-to, cherished for its simplicity and authentic taste.
Guacamole Recipe: Fresh and Creamy Classic
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño seeded, finely diced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 Roma tomato diced; 1 clove garlic, minced.
- For Serving: Tortilla chips vegetable sticks
- Suggested Pairings: Salsa margaritas
Instructions
- Mash avocados in a bowl to the desired consistency.
- Add onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional tomato or garlic; stir gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Optional: Chill for 15-30 minutes, covered tightly.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a taco topping.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for creaminess.
- Keep the pit in the bowl to slow browning.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Pair with queso or salsa.
