Californian Guacamole

Californian Guacamole Recipe - Authentic & Delicious

Region / culture: California | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Californian Guacamole is a delicious and creamy dip that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a snack. Made with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a blend of spices, this guacamole is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

History

Guacamole has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 16th century. The Californian twist on this classic dish adds a unique flavor profile that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Ingredients

Recipe default

0.75 cup of diced sweet onions (preferably Walla-Walla, Vidalia, or red)
0.67 bunch of chopped cilantro leaves (approximately 1 cup)
0.5 cup of mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellmans)
0.67 cup of sour cream
2 tsp of fresh lime juice
3-4 dashes of hot sauce (preferably a chipotle-based smoky one)
2 chopped roma tomatoes (seeds and juice removed first)
1 tsp of kosher salt
0.5 tsp of black pepper
1 tsp of cumin
0.25 tsp of red chili pepper flakes
0.13 tsp of chili powder
0.25 tsp of garlic granules
0.25 tsp of onion powder
0.5 tsp of sweet hungarian paprika

How to prepare

Grind the spices together using a mortar and pestle. Add the ground spices to the remaining ingredients, and partially mash the avocado, leaving at least 0.5 inches of good-sized chunks. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Taste for seasonings, then sprinkle with a bit more paprika, fresh cilantro leaves, and diced red onion on top. Serve with tortilla chips.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to your guacamole. You can also add diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your guacamole is creamy and delicious, be sure to use ripe avocados and mash them to your desired consistency. Adding a touch of lime juice will help to prevent the avocados from browning, while the blend of spices will give your guacamole a flavorful kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Californian Guacamole with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads.

Cooking Techniques

To make your guacamole extra creamy, use a fork or potato masher to mash the avocados to your desired consistency. For a chunkier guacamole, simply mash the avocados with a fork.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mayonnaise on hand, you can substitute Greek yogurt or avocado oil for a healthier alternative. You can also add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist on this classic dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Californian Guacamole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

To make your guacamole look extra appetizing, sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves, diced red onion, and a dash of paprika before serving. Serve in a decorative bowl with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Californian Guacamole pairs well with margaritas, Mexican beer, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. For a complete meal, serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover guacamole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, cover with plastic wrap and press down to remove any air bubbles. To reheat, simply let the guacamole come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Californian Guacamole contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Californian Guacamole contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Californian Guacamole contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Californian Guacamole contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Californian Guacamole is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Alergens

Californian Guacamole contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Californian Guacamole is a delicious and nutritious dip that is perfect for any occasion. With a blend of fresh ingredients and spices, this guacamole is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

Summary

Californian Guacamole is a delicious and creamy dip that is perfect for any occasion. With a blend of fresh ingredients and spices, this guacamole is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Californian Guacamole. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria who lived in a small town in California. Maria was known for her delicious guacamole, and she had promised to teach me her secret recipe.

As we walked into her kitchen, the aroma of fresh avocados filled the air. Maria had a large bowl of ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime laid out on the counter. She smiled at me and said, "Are you ready to learn how to make the best guacamole you've ever tasted?" I eagerly nodded, and she began to show me the process.

First, Maria taught me how to choose the perfect avocados. She explained that they should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. She then showed me how to cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.

Next, Maria taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients. She diced the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, and squeezed fresh lime juice over the mixture. She then added a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to bring out the flavors.

As we mixed all the ingredients together, Maria shared with me the story behind this Californian Guacamole recipe. She explained that she learned it from her grandmother, who had immigrated to California from Mexico many years ago. Her grandmother used to make this guacamole for family gatherings, and it had become a beloved tradition in their family.

The secret ingredient, Maria revealed to me, was love. She explained that when you make guacamole with love and care, it always tastes better. As we mashed the avocados and mixed in the other ingredients, I could feel the love and passion that went into every step of the process.

After the guacamole was ready, Maria scooped it into a serving bowl and set it on the table. We sat down together and enjoyed the creamy, flavorful dip with crispy tortilla chips. The combination of the creamy avocados, tangy tomatoes, and zesty lime juice was truly a taste sensation.

As I savored each bite of the Californian Guacamole, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I thanked Maria for sharing her family recipe with me and promised to pass it down to future generations.

Since that day, I have made Maria's Californian Guacamole countless times for family gatherings, parties, and special occasions. Each time I prepare it, I remember the warm summer day when I learned the recipe from my dear friend and the love and tradition that it represents. And as I share this delicious guacamole with others, I know that I am passing on a piece of California culinary history.