Guacamole

Guacamole – A classic recipe, full of flavor and color

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love fresh guacamole? This traditional dish, with deep roots in South American culture, has won the hearts of millions around the world. It is a creamy, delicious, and extremely versatile dip, perfect for serving with nachos, on a slice of toasted bread, or even as an accompaniment to various types of meat. This guacamole recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor, with the secret lying in the quality of the ingredients used. Let's get started!

Basic ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 small onion
- Juice of 1 lemon (or less, to taste)
- Salt, to preference
- Optional: a few drops of Tabasco sauce or hot pepper for those who prefer a spicier taste

Ingredient details:
- Avocado: Buy avocados that are slightly soft to the touch, but not too mushy. This indicates they are ripe and ready to use. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes that will add sweetness and acidity to your guacamole. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Onion: Fresh onion will add a crunchy and spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for green onion or sweet onion.
- Lemon: The lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps preserve the bright green color of the avocado, preventing oxidation.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the avocado:
- Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and place it in a bowl.
- Using a fork, gently mash the avocado. Be careful not to turn it into a puree; you want to maintain a slightly chunky texture with smaller pieces of avocado.

2. Adding lemon juice:
- Pour the lemon juice over the mashed avocado. This will prevent the flesh from darkening and add a note of acidity that balances the flavor.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
- Dice the tomatoes and add them to the avocado. Make sure to remove the seeds to avoid excess water in the guacamole.
- Grate the onion and add it to the bowl. You can use a fine grater for a more delicate texture. Discard the juice left by the onion but keep the pulp.

4. Seasoning:
- Sprinkle salt to taste. Mix everything with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or salt if necessary.

5. Spicy version:
- If you like a spicier flavor, now is the time to add a few drops of Tabasco sauce or chopped hot pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spicy flavor.

Serving and suggestions:
Guacamole is perfect for serving with crunchy nachos, but don't limit yourself to just that! You can use guacamole as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a dressing for salads. It is also delicious on a slice of toasted bread or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Interesting variations:
- Mango guacamole: Add diced mango for a sweet and exotic touch.
- Garlic guacamole: If you're a garlic lover, try adding a crushed garlic clove for an extra flavor boost.
- Cilantro guacamole: Add a few chopped fresh cilantro leaves for a fresh taste and distinctive aroma.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I keep guacamole fresh?
- It is best to consume it immediately. If you need to store it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the guacamole to prevent oxidation.

- Can I use frozen avocado?
- While it is possible to use frozen avocado, the texture will be different. It is better to use fresh avocado for the best culinary experience.

- Can I add other ingredients?
- Absolutely! Experimenting with different ingredients like feta cheese, bell pepper, or olives can create a unique guacamole variation.

Nutritional benefits:
Guacamole is rich in healthy fats, vitamins E, C, and K, as well as potassium. It is an excellent choice for a healthy snack that will keep you full and energized.

Conclusion:
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work and enjoy this delicious guacamole recipe. It is a dish that brings people together, perfect for parties or gatherings with friends. Whether you choose to serve it with nachos or use it as a dip for a vegetable platter, each bite will be an explosion of flavors. Enjoy!