perfect guacamole
January 2nd, 2010
Holy moly…I think I could live on guacamole.
Absolutely love the stuff. Love making it at home. Love taking it to parties. Love trying different local restaurants’ take on it (especially the recent “tableside” guacamole trend…fun!). Love how it’s packed with nutrients, freshness, and flavor. Even love just saying the word! (Seriously, those four syllables just sound like a party!)
And while I know everyone in the world has their favorite specific combo of ingredients for guacamole, thought it was time to share mine. I make it pretty much whenever avocados are on sale at the grocery store, or whenever there’s a good occasion (like our New Year’s party this year – holla!) to share it with friends. And the entire bowl of it – whether I’m scaling it back for one, or going all out for a crowd – always disappears. :)
In the words of the talking parrot I use to live with in Costa Rica…“Que rrrrrrrrico!” (How delicious!)
Enjoy!!!
Perfect Guacamole Recipe
(Original recipe)
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed, minced (add more or less to taste)
- 1/2 red onion, minced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 Tbsp. of fresh lime juice
- 3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt
- dash of cumin
- (Optional: 1 roma tomato, pulp removed and chopped)
Method:
Cut avocados in half and remove the pits (but reserve them – see tip below). Scoop out the avocados and place in a medium-sized bowl. Mash with a fork to desired consistency.
Add the jalapeno, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, cumin, and mash together again with your fork. (Optional: Mix in the tomatoes at the end just before serving.)
To keep fresh before serving, mix the avocado pits back into the mixture. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap, so that the plastic is literally touching the top layer of the guacamole (minimal air inside!), and refrigerate.
Ali’s Tip:
Even though this recipe is my favorite combo, here are some other popular add-ins:
- sour cream
- mayo
- lemon juice
- lemon or lime peel
- salsa (often in place of many other non-avocado ingredients)
- hot sauce
- other peppers: serrano, poblano, annaheim, etc.
- other seasonings: chili powder, coriander, garlic powder (or garlic salt), chipotle powder, etc.
I’m always eating avocados, and guacamole is a favorite. I usually make it when I whip up a batch of salsa in my food processor. After the salsa, and leaving a little in the processor, I add the avocados and any extras, and have a great quick guacamole. Sometimes I use a big mortar/pestle guacamole bowl I received for Christmas a few years back too.
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One time in Austin, I had tableside guac. and they squeezed an orange into it in addition to the lime- OMG what a nice, different and fresh twist. I tried it again at home- just as good!!
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This is really similar to the guac we make. I love LIMEY guacamole!
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I started eating guacamole on toast because of this recipe: http://www.nigella.com/recipe/recipe_detail.aspx?rid=124.
I usually add a red onion and some tomatoes (without pulp) as well. And a lot of fresh ground black pepper. When I have arugula lying in my fridge I use it too (on top of the guacamole). It’s the best way to start the day and so fast, when using a processor. When I make guacamole for non-breakfast purposes, i’ll add garlic too! But next time I’ll definitely try it your way!
By the way, I saw you featured on Elise’s blog and became an immediate fan, love the food and your lovely pictures!
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My husband says he also once had the perfect guacamole recipe, starring a tomatillo as well. We are both guac lovers from way back, too, though I don’t often make it at home — we’d both just inhale it! Too bad avos are on sale at our local market, too…
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Gorgeous… I love guacamole. I will definitely have to give this a try!
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Guac is one of my favorite foods! We just bought a ton of avocados and I will be eating them in guacamole form :) great recipe!
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When you make this -how long before you serve can you make it? I am gathering closer to consumption is always preferred but when taking to a party….can you make the morning of -of say an evening party?
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dumb question: I have toyed with making guacamole a few times, once very unsuccessful because the avacodo was hard. Do you have a type on determining which avacados to pick at the grocery or market?
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WOW! That looks so delish!
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Excellent recipe. I also add some cream cheese. This makes it smoother and adds bulk, so you end up with more guacamole without having to add avocados.
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You dont need to add cumin to the gaucamole
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Thanks for the great recipe! My husband and I really enjoyed it!
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