Guacamole is a creamy and delicious dip made from ripe avocados, lime juice, and just a hint of salt. It’s great for snacking with tortilla chips!
Honestly, I could eat guacamole every day! It’s quick to whip up, plus you can add fun extras like tomatoes or onions if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy it with friends or all by yourself; no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Ripe, creamy avocados are the star of guacamole. If you can’t find ripe ones, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up ripening. Alternatively, try using frozen avocado if you’re in a pinch, just thaw and mash!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors in guacamole. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice is a good substitute, though slightly less tangy. I love adding a little zest from the lime peel for an extra burst of flavor!
Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors. Feel free to experiment with different salts like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for a unique flavor. Just start with a little and adjust to your taste!
Tomato: Diced tomatoes add freshness, but feel free to leave this out if you’re not a fan or substitute with diced red bell pepper for a sweet crunch.
Onion: I prefer red onions for their milder flavor, but yellow onions work well too. If you want it onion-free, skip it or try green onions for a milder taste.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch, but not everyone loves it. If you’re not a fan, parsley makes a good substitute for freshness without really changing the taste!
How Do I Prevent My Guacamole from Browning?
Keeping guacamole bright green can be tricky! Here are a few tricks:
- First, make sure to add lime juice right away, as the acid helps slow down browning.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the guacamole’s surface. This limits air exposure.
- For longer storage, add a thin layer of water over the guacamole before sealing it. Just pour it off before serving.
I often serve guacamole right after making it to enjoy that fresh flavor, but if I have leftovers, these tricks help a lot!
How to Make Delicious Guacamole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced tomato (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick recipe takes around 10 minutes in total. Just a few minutes to prep the ingredients and mix everything together, then it’s ready to enjoy with your favorite chips or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Avocados:
Start by cutting the avocados in half. Remove the pits and scoop the creamy flesh into a mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens!
2. Mash it Up:
Grab a fork and mash those avocados! You can make it as smooth or as chunky as you like. I usually go for a nice balance!
3. Add Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some zesty flavor. Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle in the salt. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed together nicely.
4. Mix in the Extras:
If you’re using diced tomatoes, fold those in gently. Then add the chopped onion, cilantro, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir it all up to combine and let those flavors mingle!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your guacamole a taste test! Feel free to add more salt, lime juice, or red pepper flakes to get it just how you like it.
6. Serve It Up:
Enjoy your guacamole right away with tortilla chips! If you have leftovers, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing it directly against the surface) and pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Now, go ahead and enjoy your homemade guacamole! It’s perfect for parties or just a little snack for yourself!
Can I Use Unripe Avocados for Guacamole?
It’s best to use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture. If your avocados aren’t quite ripe yet, place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to help them ripen faster. Just check them often to avoid overripening!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Guacamole?
Leftover guacamole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lime Juice?
If you don’t have fresh lime juice, lemon juice is a good substitute. Just keep in mind that it will have a slightly different flavor—still delicious!
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Absolutely! Guacamole is versatile—feel free to add or omit ingredients like diced jalapeños for heat, corn for sweetness, or swap cilantro for parsley if you’re not a fan of the flavor!