5-Minute Meal: Classic Mexican Guacamole
Anyone who has ever visited Mexico or been to an authentic Mexican restaurant will agree that there are really great guacamoles. The history of this fantastic dish dates back some 500 years to when the Aztecs first concocted an avocado-based sauce that was to be known as guacamole using exactly the same ingredients, that we use today. Guacamole, given its wonderful taste and incredible nutritional value, became an instant hit with not only the Aztecs, but also the fellow Mesoamerican cultures, and Western Europe.
These days Guacamole is something you can easily buy ready-mixed and canned at the supermarket. But here I would like to share with you the traditional, light, creamy and natural way of cooking it. Guacamole should taste primarily of avocados, aromatics and herbs – not artificial seasonings or soured dairy products! Try it, and I’m pretty sure, you will love this perfect summer dip! Here we go!
Ingredients (will make 1,5 cups)
3 small avocados, seeded and chopped (1,5 cups)
3 tablespoons diced red onion
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon seeded and minced jalapeño pepper (optional! And be careful, it’s really spicy)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
1⁄4 teaspoon chile powder
Sea salt and black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Start by dicing your mix-ins: red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño for a little heat.
Step 2
Next, zest one lime, and juice two.
Step 3
Time to peel avocados. For ripe avocados, the outer skin or peel is easy to remove. Simply slice the avocado in half or cut into wedges as shown in the photo. Grasp the outer dark layer or skin and pull it away from the inner green flesh of the fruit.
Step 4
Score the avocado flesh into a grid with a knife. Scoop it out of the peels and into a bowl along with the onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice & zest, and salt.
Step 5
Mash and stir everything together, until the components are well combined but the avocado retains a slightly chunky texture.
Get out your favorite Nachos or sliced vegetables, and dig in!
Guacamole Tips
Use ripe avocados. We all know that avocados can be fickle. The ones you want for perfect guacamole will be just a bit overripe, with a slight give when you squeeze them. If they’re mushy, they’ve gone too far. If you can’t find ripe avocados at the store, let them ripen on your counter together with bananas or apples for a few days and transfer them to the fridge when they soften.
Make it just before serving. Guacamole turns brown in just 30-50 minutes, so mix it up just before serving. It’s so easy, there’s no need to make it ahead.
Enjoy!