There’s something undeniably magical about transforming a handful of simple, fresh ingredients into the glorious concoction that is guacamole—let’s dive into this creamy, tangy, and just-a-bit-spicy masterpiece that will have you wondering how you ever lived without it.
There is no substitute for my uncomplicated, fresh-from-the-kitchen guacamole. It delivers an eye-popping burst of flavor and nutrition to the table.
Everything is simple about this dish. Even the base, guacamole, is simple.
To confusing matters just a tad, guacamole has a couple of ingredients that might catch you off guard. For instance, it calls for lime juice and a hint of cayenne pepper.
What’s that doing in there? And why cayenne?
Well, perhaps because we like it.
Ingredients
- Avocados: Rich in healthy fats and fiber.
Creamy texture.
- Lime: Adds a tangy, fresh citrus flavor.
High in vitamin C.
- Onion: Provides a sharp, savory bite.
Contains antioxidants.
- Cilantro: Offers herbal freshness.
Packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet.
High in vitamin C and lycopene.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth.
Known for its health benefits.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy kick.
Can boost metabolism.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
How to Make this
1. Halve the avocados, take out the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
2. Combine lime juice and salt with the avocados, then proceed to mash them together using a fork amply until they reach a creamy consistency, with some lumps remaining.
3. Stir in the diced onion, ensuring it is evenly distributed for added crunch and flavor.
4. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, allowing its freshness to enhance the mixture.
5. Add the diced roma tomatoes, mixing carefully to keep the tomatoes intact.
6. Incorporate the minced garlic, blending well to infuse its pungent aroma.
7. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of ground cayenne pepper and stir to combine.
8. Taste the guacamole and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or cayenne pepper as needed.
9. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.
10. Serve without delay, alongside tortilla chips, or with any of your favorite culinary creations as a zesty, healthy topping.
Equipment Needed
1. Kitchen knife
2. Cutting board
3. Mixing bowl
4. Fork
5. Spoon
6. Citrus juicer (optional)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Plastic wrap
FAQ
- Can I make guacamole ahead of time?Certainly, but its peak flavor and texture are when it’s fresh. If you’re making it ahead of time, the key is to wrap it tightly in plastic, with the wrap touching the surface, to prevent browning.
- How do I choose ripe avocados?Choose avocados that feel slightly firm but yield a bit to gentle pressure. Steer clear of ones with dark spots or that are oozing.
The opposite is true for ripeness in tomatoes. You want to select ones that feel slightly firm and give a little under pressure but not much. They also shouldn’t have any dark spots or be soft. If any of these conditions are met, the tomato isn’t ready to eat.
- What can I use instead of lime juice?One can use lemon juice as a substitute, though it will change the flavor a bit.
- Is the cayenne pepper necessary?You may leave out the cayenne pepper if you’d like a more subdued heat level. If you like your guac with a little kick, though, el polvo de cayenne is your amigo.
- Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?Certainly, lemon juice serves well as a substitute for lime juice, although it will alter the flavor profile in a mild manner.
- How can I keep guacamole from turning brown?Besides covering it tightly, putting the pit in the guacamole can help delay browning.
- Can I omit cilantro if I don’t like it?Indeed, cilantro can be left out, should you desire. Some individuals opt to use parsley as a substitute, or they might simply skip it altogether.
Simple Guacamole Recipe Substitutions and Variations
One lime, give it a good juicing.
Substitute with one (1) lemon, also juiced.
1 teaspoon salt: Swap with sea salt or kosher salt.
1/2 cup diced onion—Substitutes: red onion (diced) or green onions (diced)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Substitute with chopped fresh parsley or leave out altogether if you dislike cilantro. There’s a big, dramatic green portion of this sauce that gets smothered all over the chickpeas, and it’s basically ranch. This is not the ranch of the bottled variety but a sort of medium-dill ranch that you’d put on a salad or use as a dipping sauce, and it gets poured over these chickpeas in an epic way.
2 roma tomatoes, diced; substitute with cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, diced.
Pro Tips
1. Choose the Right Avocados: Use Hass avocados for the best flavor and texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe.
2. Enhance Flavor with Lime: Add lime zest along with the juice to intensify the tangy flavor and enhance the overall freshness of your guacamole.
3. Onion Soak Tip: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the diced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the guacamole. This reduces their sharpness.
4. Tomato Seed Removal: To prevent watery guacamole, remove the seeds from the roma tomatoes before dicing and adding them to the mix.
5. Texture Control: For a chunkier texture, mash one avocado thoroughly and leave the other two slightly chunkier for variety and mouthfeel.
Simple Guacamole Recipe
My favorite Simple Guacamole Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Kitchen knife
2. Cutting board
3. Mixing bowl
4. Fork
5. Spoon
6. Citrus juicer (optional)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Plastic wrap
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Halve the avocados, take out the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
2. Combine lime juice and salt with the avocados, then proceed to mash them together using a fork amply until they reach a creamy consistency, with some lumps remaining.
3. Stir in the diced onion, ensuring it is evenly distributed for added crunch and flavor.
4. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, allowing its freshness to enhance the mixture.
5. Add the diced roma tomatoes, mixing carefully to keep the tomatoes intact.
6. Incorporate the minced garlic, blending well to infuse its pungent aroma.
7. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of ground cayenne pepper and stir to combine.
8. Taste the guacamole and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or cayenne pepper as needed.
9. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.
10. Serve without delay, alongside tortilla chips, or with any of your favorite culinary creations as a zesty, healthy topping.