Amanda's Guac

Introduction

History

The origins of guacamole trace back to the Aztecs in what is now Mexico, with the basic ingredients being avocado, tomato, and salt. Over the centuries, this dish has evolved, incorporating ingredients from various cultures. Amanda's Guac pays homage to this rich history while adding a personal touch with ingredients like cilantro, purple onion, and a hint of Tabasco sauce, making it a modern classic.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your guacamole is as flavorful as possible, use ripe avocados; they should feel slightly soft when gently pressed. For the tomatoes, deseed them to avoid excess liquid in your guac. Lastly, adding the lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps in preserving the vibrant green color of the avocados.

Serving Suggestions

Amanda's Guac is versatile and can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a flavorful addition to burgers and sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in making guacamole is mashing the avocados to your desired consistency. Some prefer it chunky, while others like it smooth. Adjust the texture to your liking by controlling the mashing process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of cilantro, parsley can be a good substitute. Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor. For those who can't handle heat, bell peppers can replace the California chile pepper.

Make Ahead Tips

Guacamole tends to brown quickly due to the oxidation of avocados. To make ahead, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guac before refrigerating to minimize browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Amanda's Guac in a molcajete (traditional Mexican mortar and pestle) for an authentic presentation. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a few slices of avocado for a visually appealing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Amanda's Guac pairs wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer or a margarita. For a non-alcoholic option, try it with sparkling water flavored with lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. There's no need to reheat, but let it come to room temperature before serving if it has been chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Amanda's Guac contains approximately 250 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Amanda's Guac contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the avocados and tomatoes, providing a healthy mix of sugars and dietary fiber which is beneficial for digestion.

Fats

Avocados are known for their healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is good for heart health. A serving of this guacamole contains about 22 grams of fat, the majority of which are these heart-healthy fats.

Proteins

Amanda's Guac provides about 3 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.

Vitamins and minerals

This guacamole is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the lemon and tomatoes, Vitamin E from the avocados, and various B vitamins. It also contains significant amounts of potassium and magnesium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Alergens

Amanda's Guac is free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts, making it a safe option for individuals with food allergies or intolerances.

Summary

Overall, Amanda's Guac is a nutritious addition to any diet, offering a good balance of healthy fats, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, with moderate calories and minimal allergens.

Summary

Amanda's Guac is more than just a dip; it's a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that come together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. 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?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a neighborhood potluck party. I had brought my famous potato salad, which always seemed to be a hit with the other attendees. However, this time, I wanted to try something new and exciting. As I walked around the tables filled with delicious dishes, my eyes landed on a bowl of vibrant green guacamole.

I approached the woman who had brought the guacamole, introduced herself as Amanda, and asked her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family recipe passed down from her grandmother. She graciously shared the ingredients and instructions with me, and I eagerly wrote them down in my recipe notebook. Little did I know that this simple act of sharing would lead to a newfound love for making guacamole.

As soon as I got home, I gathered the ingredients for Amanda's Guac. I carefully peeled and mashed ripe avocados, diced fresh tomatoes, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, squeezed fresh lime juice, and sprinkled salt and pepper. The aroma of the ingredients mingling together was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

I scooped a generous spoonful of Amanda's Guac onto a tortilla chip and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - creamy avocado, tangy lime, savory garlic, and the perfect amount of heat from the jalapeno. It was love at first bite. I knew then and there that this guacamole would become a staple in my recipe collection.

Over the years, I have made Amanda's Guac countless times for family gatherings, parties, and even just for myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Each time I make it, I think back to that fateful day at the potluck party and how one simple recipe exchange opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities for me.

As I continued to make Amanda's Guac, I experimented with different variations and additions. I added fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, diced mango for a touch of sweetness, and crumbled queso fresco for a creamy finish. Each new iteration of the recipe brought its own unique twist and delighted the taste buds of all who tried it.

One year, I hosted a Cinco de Mayo party for my friends and family. I decided to make a large batch of Amanda's Guac to serve as a festive appetizer. As I mixed the ingredients together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. This recipe had become more than just a dish to me - it was a symbol of the connections and memories that food can create.

As the party guests arrived, the aroma of the guacamole filled the air, and I watched as they eagerly dipped their tortilla chips into the bowl. The compliments and exclamations of delight filled me with happiness, knowing that I had brought a little piece of Amanda's family tradition into my own home.

Years passed, and Amanda's Guac remained a beloved recipe in my collection. I shared it with friends, passed it down to my children, and even taught a cooking class where I demonstrated how to make the perfect guacamole. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to Amanda and her family, grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that Amanda's Guac has taken me on, I am filled with gratitude for the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. This simple recipe has become a part of my family's story, a tradition that will be passed down for generations to come. And for that, I will always be thankful to Amanda for sharing her grandmother's guacamole recipe with me on that warm summer day.

Categories

| California Chile Recipes | Guacamole Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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