Guacamole Recipe

You can prepare fresh guacamole using this recipe with widely available ingredients. Below you will find ingredient amounts, clear preparation steps, and helpful suggestions for serving.

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados
1 lime
1 small red onion
1 tomato
salt to taste
optional: chili pepper and fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Preparation

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh.
Mash the avocado flesh with a fork along with the juice of half a lime.
Finely dice the onion, tomato, and chili if using. Add them to the avocado.
Season with salt and additional lime juice to taste. Serve immediately.

Time and Servings

Time: 15 minutes. Servings: 4 portions.

Tips and Variations

Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle thumb pressure.
Remove watery seeds from the tomato if you prefer a thicker dip.
Use a fork to mash the flesh so you keep small, pleasant chunks.

How to Choose an Avocado

A ripe avocado yields slightly to gentle pressure in your palm, but it should not feel hollow, mushy, or dented. Hard fruit is difficult to mash into a creamy dip. If you purchase firm avocados, leave them at room temperature and check daily until they soften. Wash and dry the skin before cutting.

Slice around the avocado lengthwise, guiding the knife around the pit, then twist the halves apart. Carefully take out the pit and scoop the flesh with a spoon. Trim away any dark or bruised spots. Place the scooped flesh into a bowl right away and squeeze over a portion of the lime juice. Keep the remaining juice for final seasoning, as limes vary in size and acidity.

Texture and Additions

Mash the avocado with a fork on a wide plate or in a shallow bowl. There is no need for a completely smooth puree: small pieces give the dip an appealing, rustic texture. If you prefer a uniform spread, mash the flesh longer. Start with less lime juice, mix, and check the consistency. It is much easier to stir in more juice later than to fix an overly thin dip.

Dice the red onion finely so it does not overpower individual bites. If the onion tastes sharp, rinse the diced pieces briefly under cold running water and drain thoroughly. Cut the tomato and scoop out the watery seed pulp before dicing the firm flesh into small cubes. Add the tomato gradually, since very juicy tomatoes make the mixture looser. You can also reserve a small spoonful of diced tomato to scatter on top before serving.

Chili pepper is optional. Start with a modest amount of finely minced chili, mix it in, and taste before deciding to add more. Fresh cilantro can also be added according to personal taste: stir chopped leaves into the dip or sprinkle them over the top. After handling hot peppers, wash your hands and tools carefully before touching your face.

Seasoning and Serving

Add salt and remaining lime juice gradually, stirring after each addition. Taste the finished guacamole with the food you plan to serve alongside it, because salty chips change how the dip tastes. If the mixture is too acidic, blend in more mashed avocado. If it lacks punch, test with a pinch more salt and a few drops of lime juice first.

Guacamole pairs well as a dip with tortilla chips or crunchy raw vegetables. It also works spread onto toast or served beside a warm burrito. When filling wraps, place the dip near the middle and leave clean borders so folding is easy. Prepare all chopping beforehand and mash the avocado close to serving time.

For a shared snack board, spoon the dip into a wide bowl. Arrange cut vegetables and chips around it. Provide a small serving spoon, particularly if guests will add the dip into sandwiches or wraps. You can also slice the leftover lime into wedges and place them nearby for individual seasoning.

Storing Leftovers

Mashed avocado naturally darkens when exposed to air over time. Transfer remaining dip to a small container and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, close the lid tightly, and place it in the refrigerator. Stir before serving again. If you prefer, prep ingredients separately and combine them right before eating.

How should guacamole be stored?

Cover the surface with plastic wrap pressed directly against the dip, refrigerate, and consume within 24 hours for best results.

Does it have to include tomato?

No, the tomato is optional and can be omitted.