Guacamole
Instructions:
- At its core a combination of mashed avocado with a couple
of crunchy, strong-tasting ingredients and some acidity,
guacamole takes well to all sorts of variations and is
justifiably popular today as a sandwich ingredient. It’s
obviously a natural in tacos and burritos. Add 1/2 cup
peeled, seeded, and diced tomato if you like.
- 2 large or 3 medium avocados
- 1/4 cup minced onion or shallot
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
- 1 serrano or jalapeño chile (optional), seeded and minced or cayenne, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or any mild pure chile powder, or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, or to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Cut the avocados in half. Peel, then mash the pulp in a bowl with a fork or potato masher, along with the onion, garlic (if you are using it), chile, chili powder, some salt and pepper, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Garnish and serve or cover with plastic wrap, pressing down on the dip so there is no air trapped between the guacamole and the wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before garnishing and serving.
- Crunchy Corn Guacamole.
- A nice twist: Add 1 cup corn, preferably just stripped from the cobs , but thawed frozen is acceptable; garnish, if you like, with about 1/4 cup roughly chopped toasted pumpkin seeds
- “Guacasalsa.”
- For salsa lovers, and very fast if you have salsa on hand: Add about 1 cup Fresh Tomato or Fruit Salsa, Fresh Tomatillo Salsa , or bottled salsa; add all the other seasonings judiciously.
- Avocado and Goat Cheese Spread or Dip.
- Not traditional, but fantastic: Omit the garlic, chile, and cilantro. Substitute lemon for the lime and add 3/4 cup soft fresh goat cheese. Put everything in a food processor if you want a smooth spread; for a chunkier spread, just use a potato masher or fork.
- Avocado Crab Spread or Dip.
- Chopped cooked shrimp also works here, or lobster for an even more luxurious treat: Omit the garlic, chile, and cilantro; substitute lemon juice for the lime juice. In Step 1, stir in 1 cup lump crabmeat. Use 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish, along with a tablespoon of minced fresh tarragon if you like.