Guacamole is an appetizer that’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Guacamole is a fantastic dip served with tortilla chips, but you can use it for so much more. Top a burger or sandwich with a dollop of guacamole, include it in burritos and tacos, or top a taco salad with it and a little salsa instead of dressing.
This recipe is one I’ve been making for years. Growing up in Southern California, fresh guacamole and salsa were something I grew up with. Nothing says home like a special quesadilla or carne asada burrito with guacamole. Avocados grew on the hills surrounding San Diego. They were available year around. Picking ripe avocados can be a little tricky. If you aren’t sure how to select a ripe avocado, the Avocado Board has a great “How To”. Click this link and never pick a bad avocado again.
Roma or plum tomatoes are perfect for guacamole. These tomatoes are denser (more meaty) and have fewer seeds and juice. They are the same type of tomatoes used for tomato paste or sauces. You can use other types of tomatoes if you like. To prevent your guacamole from getting runny, remove the seeds and just use the tomato flesh.
Cumin is a popular spice in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. It’s common to see cumin combined with chili powder. Cumin adds a hint of smoky flavor and just a dash of cayenne gives flavor without the heat.
On a seasoning note: Most tortilla chips are salted and you don’t want too salty guacamole. To ensure proper seasoning, add only half of the salt to the guacamole. Then sample with the same chip you’ll be serving alongside. The salt from the chip will mix with the guacamole when you take a bite. If it needs more salt, only then should you add more.
A friend asked how I peel avocados without making a mess. My answer was, “I don’t peel them. I scoop.” Whether I’m making baked avocados, guacamole, or slicing avocados for another dish, I use the scoop method. Let me show you what I mean.
1. Cut the avocado in half with a knife. Remove the pit by hand (if possible) or strike the pit with the sharp edge of the knife. Twist the knife to dislodge the pit and remove.
2. Using a large spoon (tablespoon not serving spoon), insert along one edge of the avocado. Scrape the inside of the avocado in a “U” shape. Go around the edges of the avocado with spoon if needed to loosen the avocado from the skin.
3. Lift avocado up from the skin. Toss skin into comport bin and use avocado in your favorite dish.
We use guacamole in so many ways. How do you use it?
Guacamole
Ingredients
- 2 avocados, skin and pit removed
- 1/2 lemon squeezed, about 2 Tablespoons
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Roma tomato, chopped
- Handful of fresh cilantro, finely chopped (about 3-4 Tablespoons)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, mash avocados with a fork until no large chunks remain.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Serve
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 523 Total Fat: 44g Saturated Fat: 6g Sodium: 619mg Carbohydrates: 33g Sugar: 7g Protein: 8g
Remy says
January 27, 2014 at 3:11 pmI saw the post on Facebook , but I had to see it here! This really looks delicious. Will be add it in my boards on pinterest.
Little Family Adventure says
January 27, 2014 at 3:35 pmThanks Remy! I appreciate the pin.
Evelyn @ My Turn for us says
January 27, 2014 at 4:13 pmI totally love guacamole!! This sounds super great!! Love the way you added a dash of cayenne pepper:)))
Hugs
Pinned and shared!
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:46 pmThat little bit adds a great flavor and my kids will still eat it.
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
January 27, 2014 at 6:32 pmAvocados are a favorite of mine. Your guacamole recipe sounds delicious. Pinned/shared.
Little Family Adventure says
January 27, 2014 at 9:08 pmThanks so much Joanne.
Rachael says
January 28, 2014 at 8:37 amYum Yum Yum! I love guacamole and thank you for sharing not only a great recipe, but great photos! Pinned this to several of my food boards on Pinterest
Little Family Adventure says
January 28, 2014 at 11:35 amI took a ton of photos. It was hard to pick what I’d display. I’m happy you enjoyed them Rachael.
Lucy says
January 28, 2014 at 8:39 amI love guacamole but have actually never made it myself, really not sure why! Pinning. I’ll have to try it soon!
Little Family Adventure says
January 28, 2014 at 11:34 amYou’ll like how easy it is Lucy.
Jenne says
January 28, 2014 at 9:45 amGuacamole is my favorite dip! Have you tried pineapples and blood oranges in it?
Little Family Adventure says
January 28, 2014 at 11:34 amNo, I haven’t. Do you substitute it for the lemon? How much do you add?
Jeanette says
January 30, 2014 at 12:56 pmThis looks really yummy:)
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:42 pmIt is Jeanette. It is! 🙂
Kim says
January 30, 2014 at 1:33 pmGreat recipe. It’s just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. I love guacamole, too. Lately, I’ve noticed I’d get itchy after eating it so I stopped having it.
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:44 pmMillions of avocados are eating during Super Bowl. So, yeah, the timings perfect. Sorry to hear about that. Are you thinking an allergy? It’s hard don’t being able to eat what you like.
Sarah (Shh...Fit Happens) says
January 30, 2014 at 1:51 pmOh your picture looks so good! I love guac, I could eat it every day I think!!
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:47 pmYou’re two peas in a pod then. I’d eat it 3x a day if I could. It goes great with so much.
Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says
January 30, 2014 at 2:28 pmI LOVE guacamole. I’ve never really made it myself, only once tried a “kit” with seasonings. I might have to give this a go. Popping over from the SITS FB group and pinning this to my “Eat Green” board. 🙂
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:51 pmHi Andrea. Thanks for popping over and pinning. This recipe is better than any kit. Give it a try. You’ll love it.
Ana @MommysBundle says
January 30, 2014 at 2:39 pmGuacamole is my FAVORITE and this recipe looks simply amazing. Yum!! Visiting from SITS.
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:52 pmThanks so much Ana. I appreciate the visit. I’m still relatively new to the group and love all the support.
Louida says
January 30, 2014 at 4:04 pmYum! I love homemade guacamole! I will be pinning it, thanks!
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:53 pmThanks Louida. Let you know how you like the recipe.
Carrie @ Chockababy says
January 30, 2014 at 7:43 pmThis looks so yummy. I make guac often, but never follow a recipe. Maybe this would help! 🙂 Glad to find you on the SITS thread 🙂
Little Family Adventure says
January 30, 2014 at 9:58 pmI’m a bit of this and a dash of that type of person. No two bowls are quite the same, but here lately they all taste like this. Yum!
Camila says
February 1, 2014 at 12:37 pmOH this looks amazing! I’m a huge fan of Guacamole and anything with it!!!! =D
XOXO
cami
Little Family Adventure says
February 1, 2014 at 8:06 pmThanks Camilla
Mika says
February 2, 2014 at 7:30 amDelicious and healthy avocado. I love it.
Coming from REAL Food Friday. Come-by and visit me.
Little Family Adventure says
February 2, 2014 at 4:18 pmThanks so much Mia. I will be sure to do that.
Marla says
February 2, 2014 at 9:52 amThis sounds delicious and what a great healthy dip for a party. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Real Food Friday and Co-hosting. Will share this recipe. Have a healthy wonderful day!
Little Family Adventure says
February 2, 2014 at 4:19 pmGuacamole is a staple at all our parties. I’ve loved sharing at your Real Food Family. Thanks so much for hosting and sharing.
Joyce @ It's Your Life says
February 6, 2014 at 9:21 pmI do the same, I scoop, while avocados are high in potassium they are on my no no list for my blood type, darn. Thanks for sharing once again on Real Food Fridays.
Little Family Adventure says
February 7, 2014 at 10:30 amIt was my pleasure Joyce. Have a great weekend.