FRESH GUACAMOLE

In my family, guacamole is only ever made with fresh ingredients. You won’t find a packet of ranch or a scoop of mayo in this recipe, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re going to have to look elsewhere! We add lots of lime juice, fresh garlic, cilantro, a little tomato and red onion, and sometimes even jalapeños when we want a kick. Add in a little salt and freshly ground pepper and you’ll be licking the bowl! I love to pair my guac with some homemade salsa and lime chips when serving it as an appetizer, but I also make it to top off tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, etc!

• When choosing avocados, you want them to be slightly soft, but not too soft! If it offers a little resistance when you touch it, that’s a good thing. You do not want a squishy avocado.
• If you remove the little stem at the end of the avocado it should be yellowish green. If it’s brown, the avocado is too ripe!
• The lime juice is going to help the guacamole stay green longer, so if you love lime, don’t be shy!
• Throw a couple avocado pits back in the bowl until you’re ready to serve it! This will also help it stay green and fresh. I also cover mine with saran wrap.
• Don’t make this too far ahead because it definitely tastes best fresh!

Ingredients:

• 5-6 large avocados
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• The juice from 2-3 limes (fresh limes are encouraged and recommended)
• 1/2 of one roma tomato, chopped
• 1/2 of one jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
• Salt (start with 1/2 a teaspoon and add more to taste if needed…the amount you need will vary based on the size of your avocados)
• freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare and chop all vegetables besides the avocados. Set aside.
2. Slightly mash avocados in a large bowl, but do not mash them all the way, leave them a bit chunky.
3. Add remaining ingredients to bowl and stir to combine, mashing avocados a little more as you stir. Do not over-mash.
4. Taste and adjust as needed. Sometimes you need more lime, sometimes more salt, etc. If the avocados are a little unripe and bitter, you can add a sprinkle of sugar to sweeten the guacamole a little.
5. Serve immediately!