Absolutely the Best Ever Guac

Absolutely the Best Ever Guac Recipe - Authentic Mexican Delight

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Absolutely the Best Ever Guac is a vibrant and flavorful recipe that brings the creamy goodness of avocados together with the sharpness of onions, the heat of jalapeños, and the freshness of tomatoes and lime juice. This guacamole recipe is not just a dip; it's a celebration of textures and flavors that can elevate any meal or snack time. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a party or simply want to indulge in a healthy and delicious treat, this guac recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every scoop.

History

The origins of guacamole trace back to the Aztecs in what is now Mexico, with the basic ingredients remaining largely unchanged. Traditionally, guacamole was made using a mortar and pestle, and it was considered a food of the elite due to the high energy content of avocados. Over the centuries, guacamole has evolved, incorporating ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and lime juice, which are staples in Mexican cuisine. This recipe, Absolutely the Best Ever Guac, is a modern take on this ancient dish, maintaining the simplicity and freshness that have made guacamole a beloved food worldwide.

Ingredients

2 tbsp finely chopped onion
2 canned jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
0.25 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves (or 1.5 tsp dried or 0.5 tsp ground per 2 avocados)
2 ripe california avocados, coarsely mashed
1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
salt, to taste
3 tbsp fresh lime juice

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients together.
Serve it as a dip with corn chips or fresh vegetables.
It is also great as a topping for baked potatoes or burgers.
Note: Place an avocado pit in the center of the prepared guacamole to help prevent browning.

Variations

For a twist on the classic, try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast, or mix in some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy texture. Adjusting the amount of jalapeño peppers can also tailor the heat level to your preference.
For those looking to experiment, there are many ways to vary this guacamole recipe. Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast, or incorporate crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy tang. For a spicy kick, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce.
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like cilantro, diced mango, or even pomegranate seeds for a sweet and savory version. Adjusting the amount of jalapeño peppers can also help control the heat level to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your guacamole is as flavorful as possible, use ripe avocados; they should feel slightly soft when gently pressed. Finely chopping the onion and jalapeño peppers will distribute their flavors more evenly throughout the guac. Adding the lime juice not only enhances taste but also helps prevent the avocados from browning. If you're not serving the guacamole immediately, placing an avocado pit in the center can also help keep it green and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This guacamole is versatile and can be served in various ways. It's perfect as a dip with corn chips or fresh vegetables. It also makes a great topping for burgers, tacos, or salads. For a unique twist, try it on a slice of toasted whole-grain bread for a delicious and healthy avocado toast.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a great guacamole is in the preparation of the avocados. Coarsely mashing them with a fork allows for a chunky texture that holds up well with the other ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as the guacamole can become too smooth and lose its appealing texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of fresh tomatoes, a few tablespoons of salsa can be a good substitute. For those who prefer a milder guacamole, bell peppers can replace jalapeño peppers. Lime juice is essential for flavor and freshness, but in a pinch, lemon juice can work as well.

Make Ahead Tips

Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to make it ahead of time, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole and store it in the refrigerator. This can help prevent browning for a few hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve your guacamole in a molcajete (traditional Mexican mortar and pestle) for an authentic presentation. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Absolutely the Best Ever Guac pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Try it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or veggie burritos. For drinks, a cold beer or a refreshing margarita can complement the flavors of the guacamole perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Guacamole does not reheat well, as it's best served cold. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To minimize browning, keep the avocado pit in the guacamole and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Absolutely the Best Ever Guac contains approximately 160 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for a snack, especially when compared to other dips and spreads that are high in sugars and saturated fats.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Absolutely the Best Ever Guac contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the avocados and tomatoes, which are also good sources of dietary fiber. This makes the guacamole a great option for those looking to enjoy a hearty snack without consuming too many carbs.

Fats

Avocados are renowned for their healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. A serving of this guacamole contains about 15 grams of fat, the majority of which is this heart-healthy type. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

This guacamole recipe provides about 2 grams of protein per serving. While not a high-protein food, it can contribute to your daily protein intake, especially when paired with protein-rich foods like chicken or fish.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, potassium, and folate. This guacamole is an excellent way to boost your intake of these essential nutrients, which support everything from heart health to immune function.

Alergens

This guacamole recipe is free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy, making it a safe and inclusive option for those with food sensitivities or allergies.

Summary

Absolutely the Best Ever Guac is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's low in carbohydrates and calories, rich in healthy fats, and packed with vitamins and minerals. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy snack or side dish.

Summary

Absolutely the Best Ever Guac is a timeless recipe that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the zest of lime juice and the kick of jalapeños. It's not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious choice that can complement a variety of meals. Whether you're a guacamole aficionado or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Absolutely the Best Ever Guac. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria at her cozy little cottage by the beach. Maria was known for her amazing cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes with her.

On that particular day, Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a ripe avocado from her basket. She told me that she was going to teach me how to make her famous guacamole, a recipe that had been handed down in her family for generations. I couldn't contain my excitement as she gathered the rest of the ingredients and began to explain the process.

As she mashed the avocado with a fork, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make this guacamole. She told me that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a little girl, and she had been making it ever since. Maria's grandmother had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to Mexico and brought back the secret to making the most delicious guacamole.

Listening to Maria talk about her family's tradition of making guacamole filled me with a sense of nostalgia. I remembered my own grandmother, who had also been a wonderful cook and had taught me so many recipes over the years. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this special recipe from Maria.

As we added the diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to the mashed avocado, the vibrant colors and fresh aromas filled the room. Maria carefully seasoned the guacamole with salt and pepper, tasting it along the way to make sure it was just right. I watched in awe as she effortlessly transformed a few simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Finally, Maria scooped the guacamole into a bowl and placed it on the table, along with a basket of warm tortilla chips. We sat down to enjoy our creation, savoring each bite and exchanging stories about our grandmothers and the recipes they had passed down to us. The guacamole was indeed the best I had ever tasted, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures that made it impossible to resist.

After our meal, I asked Maria if she would mind sharing the recipe with me so that I could make it for my own family and friends. With a smile, she handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions for making Absolutely the Best Ever Guac. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe and continue the tradition of making it for years to come.

As I drove home that evening, the sun setting in a blaze of colors over the ocean, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships that had enriched my life and the recipes that had connected me to my past. The memory of that day spent with Maria, learning to make the best guacamole I had ever tasted, would always hold a special place in my heart.

And now, whenever I make Absolutely the Best Ever Guac for my family and friends, I think of Maria and her grandmother, and the love and tradition that they passed down through the generations. Cooking has a way of bringing people together, of creating memories that last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly grateful.