Whether you need an appetizer for a party or a fresh, healthy topping for taco night, I’ve got a super simple guacamole recipe that’s guaranteed to please the crowd and taste far better than any prepared guacamole from the store.
Every good guacamole recipe relies heavily on one key ingredient: the avocados!
Tip #1: Buy the Right Avocado
95% of avocados in your grocery store are grown in California, with Hass Avocados as the leading type. Every one of these avocados originated from the mother tree that Rudolph Hass patented in 1935! Fortunately, they are typically available year-round in your grocery.
When selecting avocados, they should be a deep brownish color and yield to gentle pressure. If bright green and totally firm, they’ll need at least 3-4 days to ripen at home, so plan ahead. If they easily give to pressure or have “hollow” spots, put them back!
Tip #2: Check under the Stem
If an avocado feels right while shopping but you want to know if it’s got a bright green interior versus a bruised and brown disaster, the stem area can give you a big clue.
Simply flick off the stem piece and inspect the color underneath. If it’s bright green, your avocado likely has a nice green flesh with little bruising and is ready to eat. If it’s brown or dark brown, the fruit is likely overripe and you should move on to the next avocado!
Tip #3: Roast the Jalapeño
Most guacamole recipes include fresh jalapeño for a nice, spicy kick. However, my recipe takes that pepper and softens the spice while adding a nice earthy flavor by roasting the jalapeño right under your broiler or on your gas range!
First, trim off the stem of the jalapeño which isn’t going to be used and would simply burn. Place the jalapeño right on your gas range and turn the burner to medium high.
Rotate every couple of minutes until the peel of the pepper is totally black and charred. I know it looks crazy burnt, but trust me, it’s crazy delicious once you scrape off the peel!
Place in a bowl and cover to steam while you prep other ingredients. When the other ingredients are ready, use a knife to easily scrape away the charred peel and you won’t believe how flavorful this jalapeño will be!
When you slice it open to dice it, you can include the seeds and ribs for extra spice. Want milder guacamole? Simply discard the seeds and ribs.
Ingredients
3 Hass avocados
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup diced fresh tomato
1 jalapeño, roasted, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon red onion, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
A few dashes (or more!) of Holtkamp Heatwave Hot Sauce, optional
Pinch of salt, or more as needed
Cilantro, optional
Directions
Slice the avocado top to bottom on both sides and twist apart. Tap your knife into the pit and rotate and it will pop right out!
Scoop out each avocado half with a spoon into a mixing bowl, and break apart with your spoon into bite sized chunks. Gently mix the avocado until creamy with some chunks remaining.
Add half the lime juice, the diced tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion, cumin and a pinch of salt. Add a few dashes of our hot sauce for an added kick. Cilantro can also be included, but some people aren’t a big fan of this herb so use it sparingly.
Give all the ingredients a gentle mix without breaking down the remaining chunks of avocado.
Sample on a tortilla chip and if the flavors are muted, add a little more lime juice, red onion and/or salt as needed to find the perfect balance.
Once you’re happy with your fresh, delicious and healthy guacamole, serve with tortilla chips for your friends and family to enjoy!
– Suzanne
