Guacamole is an easy-to-make avocado salad or dip from Mexico. The main ingredient for making guacamole is mashed or chopped avocado. The avocado is then mixed with onions, cilantro, chilies, spices and then served with tortilla chips. This combination is the basic guacamole formula, but don't worry about mixing other ingredients to make your own guacamole.
Ingredients
The main ingredient
- 2 ripe avocados
- onion, diced
- 1 serrano or jalapeno chili, finely chopped
- teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Optional Material
- tomato, chopped
- 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Traditional Guacamole
Step 1. Start by dicing the onions
Don't cut the avocado ahead of time as it oxidizes quickly and will change its color. Slice the avocado at the end of the process so that it stays fresh and green. First, cut the onion in half. Then cut it back into quarters. Dice the onions with a sharp knife. Put the chopped onions in a small bowl.
If you don't want the onion taste to be too strong, then wash the chopped onions in cold running water using a sieve and drain. The water will help remove the sulfuric acid present in the onions (the sulfuric acid that causes tears to come out of your eyes when you chop onions)
Step 2. Chop the chili
Chop the serrano or jalapeno peppers and mix them in the same bowl as the onions.
If you don't want the guacamole to taste too hot, remove the seeds and fibers from the chili before you chop it up. Chili seeds and fibers are the very spicy part of chilies
Step 3. Chop about 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves
Put the coriander leaves together and then chop them. Finely chop with a sharp knife and mix with the onions and chilies.
If you prefer, you can also use cilantro stems as a guacamole mixture. Unlike parsley, which is fibrous and unappealing to eat, cilantro has a great stem for a guacamole mix
Step 4. Chop a small clove of garlic (optional)
Guacamole does not require garlic, but many people think that garlic is an important ingredient. If you want to add garlic to your recipe, then chop a small clove of garlic and mix it in the bowl that already contains the onions, chilies, and cilantro.
Step 5. Mix the onions, chilies, and cilantro thoroughly
For the best taste, stir the onion, cilantro, and serrano chili mixture for a little longer until the oil releases. But you also don't have to do it if you're in a hurry, of course the results won't be as good if you stir it longer.
If you have a mortar and pestle (or traditional molcajete in Mexican), then use the utensil to gently pound the onions, peppers, and cilantro
Step 6. Cut the avocado in half and remove the seeds
Use a sharp knife to cut the avocado into two lengthwise halves. Remove the seeds from the avocado flesh and make sure that no layer of seeds remains on the avocado flesh.
- Avocados that are too mushy are better than avocados that are too firm. Since avocado is the main ingredient for making guacamole, it is very important to choose a good avocado which will strengthen the taste of the food you are going to eat with guacamole.
- Twist the split avocado with a knife to make it easy to separate.
Step 7. Dice the avocado
Make a checkerboard pattern on the avocado flesh using a knife. Don't stick the knife into the skin.
Step 8. Take the avocado flesh using a spoon into the bowl containing the previously prepared ingredients
Use a spoon to scoop out the diced avocado flesh from the skin and place it in the bowl that already contains the onions, chilies, and cilantro.
Step 9. Use a spoon to mix the avocado with the rest of the ingredients
If you want the avocado to be a little rough, gently mash the avocado with a spoon until the onions, chilies, and cilantro are well combined but don't let the avocado flesh become too soft. If you want a softer texture of guacamole, then mash the avocado flesh until soft.
- If you want, add a squeeze of lemon to the guacamole when you mash the avocado.
- Don't forget to add salt to your guacamole too. Sea salt will give guacamole a crunchier taste than regular table salt.
Step 10. Add the diced red tomatoes to the guacamole (optional)
If you are using tomatoes that are not very ripe, then add the tomatoes before you mash the avocado. If you are using red or ripe tomatoes, add them now; Ripe tomatoes have a soft texture and can add a pretty color to your guacamole.
Method 2 of 2: Add a Variety of Flavors to Your Guacamole
Step 1. Sweeten your guacamole by adding diced mango or pomegranate seeds
Fresh mangoes will provide a strong sweet taste which will enrich your guacamole flavor. If you like sweetness in your sauces, then try the Maya salsa dip called xec. Pomegranate seeds can provide an attractive color and add sweetness to your guacamole.
Step 2. Give your guacamole a smoky flavor by adding a tomatillo or roasted pumpkin seed or ciplukan
Tomatillo or roasted pumpkin seeds can give your guacamole a unique new flavor.
Step 3. You can play with other unique flavors
Don't be afraid to make new flavors for your guacamole. Guacamole is an easy dish to vary in taste and you can also make your own unique version. Drizzle olive oil over it. Add a squeeze of Meyer lemon juice. Also sprinkle a little grated queso fresco cheese.
Step 4. Garnish your guacamole
Sprinkle the cilantro slices over the guacamole and serve immediately. Other options for guacamole garnish:
- Thinly sliced radish
- Grilled Corn
- Chips or tortillas arranged on the edge of the bowl
Tips
- To make the guacamole last longer and not runny, remove the seeds from the tomatoes before you add them to the mix.
- Guacamole will oxidize when exposed to open air. To avoid this, consume guacamole immediately after you make it or otherwise cover it with plastic before you serve it.
- To find out if the avocado you are going to use is ripe or not, gently press the avocado. If the avocado feels soft when you press it lightly, it is ripe and good to use as a guacamole base.
- To balance the spicy taste of guacamole, add a little yogurt or cottage cheese.
