Better Than In a Cantina: The Secret to Authentic Mexican Guacamole at Home
Everyone’s favorite snack will become a frequent guest at your kitchen after this recipe.
It might be hard to find a single person who hasn’t yet tried or even heard of guacamole, the traditional Mexican avocado-based dip served with tortilla chips or nachos. The dish’s creamy texture also might seem like a difficult thing to achieve while making guacamole at home, though the result will be perfect if you follow these steps (spoiler: the entire process won’t take you more than 15 minutes).
Ingredients: 2-3 ripe avocados, 1 small red or white onion, 1 fresh lime, 1 small chili pepper (if desired), 1 medium tomato (seeds removed), a small bunch of cilantro, salt to your taste.
Important to note: avocados should be chosen carefully; that said, they should be ripe, but not overripe. Life hack: press the avocado lightly — it should just yield slightly, but not turn into a mess.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed, and carefully scoop out the pulp with a spoon. Chop the onion into very small pieces. Remove the seeds from the tomato and chop it finely as well. Do the same with the chili, removing the seeds if you don't want the guacamole to be too spicy. Mince the cilantro.
Mash the avocado with a fork. Do not use a blender: the texture should remain a little grainy. Add the onion, tomato, chili pepper, and cilantro to the avocado. Squeeze in the lime juice. Add salt to your liking.
Mix gently. Taste it: authentic guacamole should have a fresh, balanced flavor with a slightly sour note.
Serve right after preparation. If you need to wait a bit, cover the sauce with plastic wrap to keep it from turning brown.
