Guacamole Autentico

Authentic Guacamole Recipe from Mexico with Cumin, Tomato, Onion, Cilantro, Lime Juice, and Hot Pepper Sauce

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Guacamole Autentico is a classic Mexican dish that is loved for its creamy texture and zesty flavor. Made with ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, onions, chilies, cilantro, and lime juice, this dish is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping tacos.

History

Guacamole has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 16th century. The word "guacamole" is derived from the Aztec word "ahuacamolli," which means avocado sauce. Originally made by mashing avocados with a mortar and pestle, guacamole has evolved over the years to include a variety of ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

4 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
1 tsp ground cumin
1 ripe medium roma tomato, seeded and diced
0.5 cup minced sweet white onion
2 serrano chilies, seeded and minced
0.25 cup chopped cilantro leaves
4 tbsp fresh lime juice
hot pepper sauce, sea salt, and white pepper to taste

How to prepare

Cut the avocado into large chunks and coarsely mash it in a large bowl using a fork. Add the remaining ingredients and gently blend them together, ensuring that some small chunks remain. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more pepper sauce, salt, and pepper if desired.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
Mix in cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood guacamole.
Stir in black beans and corn for a hearty dip.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor.

- Add the lime juice last to prevent the avocados from browning.

- For a spicier guacamole, leave the seeds in the chilies.

- For a creamier texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Guacamole Autentico with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Use a fork to mash the avocados for a chunky texture.

- Use a food processor for a smoother guacamole.

- Chill the guacamole for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red onion instead of white onion for a milder flavor.

- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice if desired.

- Substitute jalapeno peppers for serrano chilies for a less spicy guacamole.

Make Ahead Tips

Guacamole Autentico can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Guacamole Autentico in a decorative bowl garnished with extra cilantro leaves and a slice of lime. Arrange tortilla chips or vegetable sticks around the bowl for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Guacamole Autentico with a cold beer, margarita, or agua fresca for a refreshing combination. Serve with a side of salsa and sour cream for a complete appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Guacamole Autentico in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze guacamole, as the texture will become watery when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Guacamole Autentico contains approximately 160 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Guacamole Autentico contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Guacamole Autentico contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Guacamole Autentico contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Guacamole Autentico contains avocado and cilantro, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Guacamole Autentico is a nutritious dish that is high in healthy fats and vitamins. It is a great source of fiber and antioxidants.

Summary

Guacamole Autentico is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple snack. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, this classic Mexican dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Guacamole Autentico. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Mexico. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I had been curious to learn some of her secrets for quite some time.

As soon as I arrived at Maria's house, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of fresh ingredients wafting from her kitchen. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Today, mi amiga, I will teach you how to make the best guacamole you have ever tasted," Maria declared with a smile.

I eagerly followed Maria into her kitchen, where she had laid out all the ingredients for the guacamole. Ripe avocados, plump tomatoes, fragrant cilantro, spicy jalapenos, and tangy lime juice awaited my eager hands.

Maria began by showing me the proper way to select and prepare the avocados. She taught me that the avocados should be ripe but still firm to the touch, and how to easily remove the pit with a quick twist of the knife. She then demonstrated the art of scooping out the creamy avocado flesh with a spoon, being careful not to bruise it.

Next, Maria showed me how to dice the tomatoes and jalapenos, chop the fresh cilantro, and squeeze the juice from the limes. She explained that the key to a delicious guacamole lies in the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

As we mixed all the ingredients together in a large molcajete, Maria shared stories of how she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother, and so on. The recipe had been passed down through generations of women in Maria's family, each adding their own twist to make it uniquely theirs.

As we mashed the avocados and mixed in the vibrant colors and flavors of the other ingredients, I could feel the magic of the guacamole coming to life. The rich green of the avocados, the juicy red of the tomatoes, the spicy green of the jalapenos, and the vibrant green of the cilantro blended together to create a symphony of flavors and colors that danced on my taste buds.

Finally, Maria handed me a tortilla chip and scooped a generous spoonful of the guacamole onto it. I hesitantly took a bite, savoring the creamy texture of the avocados, the tangy lime juice, the spicy kick of the jalapenos, and the fresh burst of flavor from the tomatoes and cilantro. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – pure perfection in a bite.

From that day on, I knew that Guacamole Autentico would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I practiced making it over and over again, honing my skills and perfecting the balance of flavors until I could recreate Maria's masterpiece with ease.

Now, whenever I make Guacamole Autentico for my friends and family, I think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen and the joy of discovering a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary journey. And I am forever grateful to my dear friend for sharing her family's tradition with me and allowing me to bring a taste of Mexico into my own home.