guacamole

Guacamole

Guacamole is a very popular dip in many parts of the US and you might ask, is it an American dish? No amigo, it's Mexican of course. I love it when I see elements from a culture blended into another. And who would not adopt Guacamole as a favorite dip? It's an amazing blend of flavors and it's also very healthy. Brazil is definitely missing this one :(  note: I'm from Brazil

Guacamole was originated with the Aztec and nowadays there are a lot of different variations. My guacamole recipe is the best, of course :)

I like my guacamole with finely chopped onions and tomatoes so my recipe calls for both. I also love garlic, so in it goes as well. It adds a lot of flavor. The good thing about guacamole is that you can add and delete ingredients according to your personal taste without robbing it from its mouthwatering appeal. Other than the main ingredient the delicious avocado, 'el delicioso aguacate', the other ingredients and measurements are not written in stone.

I love adding Greek Yogurt because of the texture it imparts to the guacamole.
Below is a guacamole with yogurt.

I never add cumin to my guacamole because I don't like it, but cumin is a spice widely used in Mexican cuisine. So, if you like it, please add about a 1/2 teaspoon.

You can use two or three avocados with the same amount of the ingredients listed below. If you use two avocados the guacamole will be chunkier. If you use three avocados the guacamole will be smoother for obvious reasons. It really depends on your taste.

To have the flavors blend well leave your guacamole in the refrigerator covered, for 1 to 3 hours. 

what you need: 

• 2 or 3 ripe Hass avocados
• 1/3 cup yellow or red onion finely chopped - about 1/2 small onion - I sometimes use red onion as well
• 2 small Roma tomatoes peeled, seeded and finely chopped
• juice of 1 lime or lemon
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Jalapeño seeded and finely chopped or 1 tablespoon chopped Jalapeño preserves

optional:

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic - I 'always' add garlic
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (parsley works as well)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons greek yogurt or sour cream - it gives a very smooth texture

notes:

You can use fresh or preserved Jalapeño.
You can use chopped green onions instead of the onions.
You can add chopped chives.
Heirloom tomatoes can also be use instead of Roma tomatoes.
See here how to peel, seed, and chop tomatoes

what to do:

Cut the avocados in half horizontally.

Remove the pit and using a spoon scoop the flesh into a bowl.

Add the juice of one lime or lemon.

Add garlic, salt and jalapeño if using it.

Use a fork to mash the avocados and spices together.

If you prefer chunky avocado, then cut it in small cubes.

 Carefully fold the tomatoes and onion.

Guacamole, Tortilla Chips, and Beer. Who could ask for more?

Try the guacamole before serving it.  You might want to add more salt or Jalapeños.       

¡Buen Provecho!