Homemade Guacamole

Guacamole is an essential party dip and a great way to use up ripe avocados. This simple recipe yields a creamy, flavorful guacamole that can be used as a dip, spread, or topping. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Guacamole has been around for centuries, with origins in the Aztec Empire. The word "guacamole" comes from the Nahuatl word "ahuacamolli," meaning "avocado sauce." Originally, guacamole was made with just avocados, salt, and lime juice. Over time, other ingredients were added, such as onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Today, there are many different variations of guacamole, but the basic ingredients remain the same.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash the avocados with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetables.

Why It Works

• Using ripe avocados is essential for a creamy, flavorful guacamole. Unripe avocados will be too hard and bitter.
• Mashing the avocados with a fork allows you to control the texture of the guacamole. You can mash it until it is smooth or leave it slightly chunky.
• Adding onions, cilantro, and jalapeños gives the guacamole flavor and complexity.
• Lime juice brightens the flavor of the guacamole and helps to prevent the avocados from browning.
• Salt and black pepper enhance the flavor of the guacamole.