Fall in Love (with) Guacamole Recipe

Fall in Love (with) Guacamole Recipe

Guacamole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • cup diced onion
  • 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste (Optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados with sea salt, garlic powder, and lime juice using a fork until smooth.
  2. Add the diced onion, tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the mashed avocado mixture and stir until well combined.
  3. Season the guacamole with cayenne pepper to taste. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more.
  4. Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap to prevent browning, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 173
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Sodium 303mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 3g 5%
Vitamin C 16mg 17%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 578mg 12%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Please consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe if you have dietary concerns.

Guacamole

This guacamole will make anyone fall in love with avocados. A smooth dip made with avocados, lime juice, roma tomatoes, and cilantro is perfect for any occasion!

Origin of Guacamole

Guacamole has deep roots in Mexican cuisine, dating back to the Aztec civilization. The word "guacamole" comes from the Nahuatl language, which is the indigenous language of the Aztecs, and it is a combination of the words "ahuacatl" (avocado) and "molli" (sauce). The Aztecs were the first to mash avocados with various ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and chili, creating the first version of this beloved dip. While its exact origins are unclear, it has been a staple of Mexican food for centuries and has spread throughout the world, becoming a favorite accompaniment for many dishes.

Regional Variations

While guacamole is universally loved, its preparation can vary by region in Mexico. For instance, in the Yucatn Peninsula, guacamole may include ingredients such as roasted pumpkin seeds or even a touch of sour orange. In contrast, in central Mexico, the traditional recipe typically includes only avocado, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and chili. Different regions also have their variations on spiciness levels and the use of additional fruits or vegetables like mango or pomegranate, adding diversity to this classic dish. The addition of cilantro or tomatoes can also vary based on personal preference or regional tradition.

How This Guacamole Differs From Other Dips

Guacamole stands apart from many other dips because of its creamy texture, rich flavor, and versatility. Unlike dips made primarily from dairy products, guacamole is dairy-free, which makes it a perfect choice for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets. What sets guacamole apart from other avocado-based dishes is its combination of fresh, raw ingredientsavocado, lime, tomatoes, onions, and cilantrogiving it a fresh, vibrant flavor. Many dips rely on processed ingredients, but guacamole's simple, fresh ingredients shine through in every bite.

Where Guacamole is Typically Served

Guacamole is often associated with Mexican cuisine, and it's a popular appetizer in Mexican restaurants, often served with crispy tortilla chips. It is also a staple at parties, barbecues, and casual gatherings, where it pairs wonderfully with nachos, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. While guacamole is most famously served as a dip, it can also be used as a topping for grilled meats, sandwiches, and even salads. It's common to see it served alongside fajitas or as part of a taco bar, allowing guests to customize their dishes with a dollop of creamy guacamole.

Interesting Facts About Guacamole

  • Guacamole was not always a dipearly Aztecs used it as a topping for their food.
  • Avocados are a rich source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
  • Guacamoles popularity surged in the United States in the 1990s, partly due to the rise of Mexican cuisine in mainstream culture.
  • In the 1950s, the California Avocado Commission coined the term guacamole to describe the avocado dip that was becoming popular across the U.S.
  • Many believe that guacamole should never be made in advance, as its flavor and color can change quickly once exposed to air. To prevent oxidation, it's often advised to add extra lime juice or even store it with the avocado pit to help keep it fresh.

Recipe Ingredients

  • 3 avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 cup diced onion
  • 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Instructions

  1. Mash avocados, sea salt, garlic powder, and lime juice in a bowl using a fork.
  2. Mix onion, tomatoes, and cilantro into avocado mixture; season with cayenne pepper.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 173 | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 7g | Sodium: 303mg

FAQ about Fall in Love (with) Guacamole Recipe

To prevent guacamole from turning brown, you can sprinkle some lime or lemon juice over the surface. The acid helps slow down oxidation. Additionally, storing it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface can also help preserve its green color.

Yes, you can store leftover guacamole. Keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. To maintain its freshness, cover the guacamole with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container. Adding extra lime juice may also help prevent browning.

It's best to make guacamole just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, store it properly in the fridge, ensuring it’s covered tightly to avoid oxidation. You can also place a pit from one of the avocados in the guacamole to help reduce browning.

Yes, you can customize the guacamole to your taste. For example, you can use lemon juice instead of lime juice, or swap the Roma tomatoes for other types of tomatoes like grape or cherry tomatoes. Additionally, you can adjust the heat level by changing the cayenne pepper with fresh jalapenos or hot sauce, depending on your preference.

If you don't have cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a similar fresh, herby flavor. Some people also like to use basil or even omit it entirely if they prefer a simpler guacamole.

To make your guacamole spicier, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add finely chopped fresh jalapenos. Alternatively, you can use other hot peppers like serrano or habanero, depending on your desired heat level.

Freezing guacamole is not recommended, as the texture of the avocado changes after being frozen. It may become mushy and watery once thawed. However, you can freeze the guacamole without any added ingredients (like tomatoes and cilantro) and mix them in after thawing.

Guacamole is versatile and pairs well with a variety of snacks. It’s great with tortilla chips, pita chips, and crackers. It also complements tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or even as a topping for salads and sandwiches.

Comments

Nicole Sanchez

06/05/2024 07:01:13 PM

I sautéed the onion with half a red pepper and the result was delicious. I hope next time I can find better coriander! It's practically impossible here in Sweden!

Carolyn Diaz

02/01/2023 02:15:57 PM

I only used 2 avocados in this recipe. I found that I needed to add more sea salt for flavor, so I mixed Hickory, Maldon Flakes, and Morton Lite salt together. I also added more garlic powder and some pieces of jalapeno for an extra kick. Once I adjusted the flavors to my liking, I ended up finishing the entire dish.

Jonathan Jackson

11/04/2022 06:17:08 PM

This recipe is a great foundation for making guacamole. I opted for using ripe garden tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a splash of my go-to hot sauce. Just like another reviewer, the title of this recipe immediately intrigued me.

Emily Clark

10/13/2024 08:16:33 AM

This guacamole is a great simple recipe.

Sharon Scott

09/04/2023 08:58:18 AM

The entire family enjoyed it! We will definitely be making it again!

Betty Thompson

07/16/2024 06:18:58 PM

I prepared this dish with a little extra cilantro, which my family absolutely adored.