This simple and flavorful guacamole is packed with fresh ingredients and just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect accompaniment to chips, tacos, or veggies, and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. With creamy avocados, zesty lime, and a hint of heat from jalapeños and red pepper flakes, this guacamole is sure to be a crowdpleaser.
Ingredients:
2 medium ripe avocados (see tips for picking and storing avocados)
1/4 cup diced red onion (or shallot)
2 tablespoons diced jalapeño, seeds removed (omit or reduce for less spice)
23 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (lime works well too if you’re in a pinch!)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit or reduce for less spice)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced (lightly packed)
Instructions:
1. Mash the Avocados:
In a shallow mixing or serving bowl, combine the diced red onion, jalapeño, lemon (or lime), salt, cumin, avocado, and red pepper flakes. Use a fork or potato masher to mash everything together to your desired texture—smooth or slightly chunky.
2. Add the Cilantro:
Stir in the minced cilantro, mixing it well into the guacamole. Taste the guacamole and adjust the flavors as needed. Add more lemon (or lime) for acidity, cumin for smokiness, red pepper flakes for extra heat, cilantro for a fresh herbal note, or salt to taste.
3. Serve:
Serve the guacamole immediately with your choice of chips, crackers, or sliced veggies. It’s also a perfect topping for tacos or bowls.
4. Store and Keep Fresh:
If you have leftovers, cover the guacamole tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. To help prevent oxidation and keep it fresh, squeeze a little more lime juice over the top before storing in the refrigerator. Guacamole is best when fresh, but it can be stored for up to 23 days. If the top layer turns slightly brown, simply scoop off the top layer, and the guacamole underneath should still be good to enjoy!
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 23 servings
Tips for Success:
Choosing Avocados: Look for avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. To speed up the ripening process, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or red pepper flakes. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño for a milder flavor.
Freshness: To prevent browning, store guacamole with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate promptly.
Customization: Add extra ingredients like diced tomatoes, garlic, or a squeeze of orange juice for a twist on the classic recipe.
