Easy guacamole recipe

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, chances are you’ve enjoyed a bowl of creamy, flavorful guacamole at some point. This popular dip is made from avocados and a variety of other ingredients, and it’s a staple at parties and gatherings as well as a tasty snack to enjoy at home. If you’ve never made guacamole before, don’t worry – it’s actually quite easy to prepare, and it’s a great way to add some healthy fats and nutrients to your diet. Making your own guacamole gives you an upper hand and control over the ingredients and budget. In this blog post, we’ll go over a simple recipe for homemade guacamole, as well as some tips and tricks for making it perfectly every time.

Ingredients

To make basic guacamole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 small finely chopped tomato
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• fresh lime juice (optional)
• sour cream (optional)

Optional ingredients you might consider adding to your guacamole include:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced pepper
• Minced garlic
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat

When selecting your ingredients, it’s important to choose ripe avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy. Here are some quick and detailed tips on picking the right avocado for your guacamole recipes;

• 1. Look for an even color. Avocado ripens from the inside out, so the outside color isn’t always the best indicator of ripeness. Look for an avocado that is mostly a consistent green color, with no obvious discoloration or patches.
• 2. Inspect the stem. Gently remove the stem and inspect the exposed area. If it’s brown and dry, the avocado is probably overripe. If it’s bright green and soft, the avocado is probably ripe. If it’s difficult to remove the stem or there’s no stem at all, the avocado is likely not ripe.
• 3. Feel the weight. A ripe avocado should be slightly firm and have a bit of give when pressed. An unripe avocado will feel hard and slightly waxy, while an overripe avocado will be mushy.

Dice the tomato and onion into small pieces, and chop the cilantro and jalapeno (if using) as finely as possible.

Method

To make the guacamole, start by slicing the avocados in half and removing the pits. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher until it’s relatively smooth. You can leave some small chunks if you prefer chunkier guacamole.

Next, add the diced tomato, onion, and any optional ingredients you’re using (such as cilantro or jalapeno) to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle in the salt, then stir again.

Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed – you may want to add more lemon juice or salt depending on your personal preference. Once it’s seasoned to your liking, the guacamole is ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks

One of the great things about homemade guacamole is that you have complete control over the ingredients and flavors. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, for example, you can simply omit it from the recipe. You can also play around with different combinations of vegetables and spices to create your own unique guacamole recipe. Some options to consider include diced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness or diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture.

To keep your guacamole fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent it from turning brown, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container. This will help to keep the air out and keep the guacamole looking fresh.

How to Store guacamole

Storing guacamole can be a tricky task. Not only does it need to be stored correctly to ensure maximum freshness, but it also needs to be done in a way that prevents it from oxidizing and going bad too quickly. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your guacamole is stored properly.

First, when preparing the guacamole, be sure to use fresh ingredients. This will ensure that it tastes great and stays fresh for a longer period of time. Make sure to also use a ripe avocado, as this will help keep the guacamole from turning brown.

Once prepared, it is important to store the guacamole properly. The best way to do this is to transfer it to an airtight container and cover the surface with a thin layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This will help keep out excess air and moisture, both of which can cause the guacamole to go bad quickly.

If you plan to store the guacamole for more than a few hours, place it in the refrigerator. This will help slow down the oxidation process and allow the guacamole to stay fresh for up to three days.

It is also essential to ensure the guacamole is tightly sealed in the container. If there is any air in the container, it can cause the guacamole to spoil quickly. Press down the plastic wrap or parchment paper to create a tight seal.

If you are storing the guacamole for longer than three days, I advise that you freeze it. To do this, simply transfer the guacamole to a freezer-safe container and seal it tightly. This will help preserve it for up to three months.

Benefits of making your own guacamole

Besides being tasty and delicious, guacamole has many benefits. I have elaborated a number of these benefits below,

1. Low in Calories: Guacamole is naturally low in calories, making it a healthy snack option. One serving contains just 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

2. Loaded with Nutrients: Guacamole contains a variety of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6, as well as fiber, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients help to keep you feeling full while providing energy and essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Heart Healthy: The healthy fats found in avocados, which are the main ingredient in guacamole, can help to lower cholesterol levels. This can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. High in Antioxidants: Guacamole is high in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation in the body.

5. Versatile and Delicious: Guacamole can be served with chips, spread on toast, and eaten with just about anything! It’s a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal.

Making your own guacamole at home is easy and fun. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a food processor or blender. You can customize your guacamole with different ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapenos, and cilantro. You can serve guacamole with basically any food including your favorite tortilla chips. The possibilities are endless!

 

 

Conclusion

Making your own guacamole at home is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular dip. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a healthy and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this easy guacamole recipe is sure to be a hit.