Simple Recipe for Guacamole and Serving Suggestions

Guacamole is a dip made with avocado and spices that originated in Mexico with the Aztecs in the 16th century. Later, Spanish conquistadors brought it back to Spain, where it became very popular. The name "guacamole" comes from an Aztec dialect of the Nahuatl word "ahuacamolli," comprised of the terms "ahuacatl" (avocado) and molli (sauce).

The traditional recipe for guacamole includes mashing ripe avocados with salt. Some modern recipes also add tomato, onion, garlic, lemon juice and seasonings.

I tried guacamole in the past, but I never really liked it. I must have tried some bad recipes and store-bought guacamole because I absolutely loved the guacamole I got from Pigpen Sports Bar, a local sports bar near me. It made me want to give it another try, and I found a great recipe from the California Avocado Commission. I tweaked it slightly and haven't looked back since.

For me, the key ingredient that really brings out the flavor of the guacamole is cumin. Garlic and onions also add a ton of flavor to my recipe. I used Hunt's Diced Tomatoes with Green Pepper, Celery and Onions to simplify the recipe even further - any type of diced tomatoes will work, but try to use one with onions or you will need to add 1/4 cup chopped onions.

Guacamole Recipe

Ingredients

4 large, fresh avocados, seeded and peeled (large = 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, chopped
8 ounces (1 cup) canned diced tomatoes with green pepper, celery and onions
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions

1. Use a fork to finely mash the avocado with lemon juice and garlic.

2. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Dip

Of course, guacamole is often served with tortilla chips, making a very colorful centerpiece when serving. It also goes well with all sorts of potato chips, especially thicker, scoop-able chips with ruffles or a double or triple layer of Pringles.

Potatoes

In addition to using guacamole as a dip for potato chips, it goes well with pretty much all kinds of potatoes. Try it with French fries, on home fries, with scalloped potatoes and even blended in with mashed potatoes.

Topping

Guacamole is a really good topping for hamburgers, hot dogs and luncheon meat sandwiches. It goes well with almost any type of sandwich. It also makes a great topping on tacos or taco casseroles and salads.

Salads

Guacamole is the perfect addition to any salad, be it tuna, potato, pasta salad and even as a salad dressing on top of lettuce and other veggies.

Spread

It can be spread generously on toast or bagels as a healthier alternative to the usual butter or cream cheese.

Eggs

It might sound strange but guacamole goes really well with eggs. Try it in omelets or deviled eggs for an extra kick of southwestern flavor.

Seafood

Guacamole is a delicious addition to any seafood dish from a topping for fish, a dip for shrimp, scallops, or lobster, to a remoulade sauce for crab cakes.

Conclusion

The sky is the limit for the number of uses guacamole has at the breakfast, lunch and dinner table or simply as a healthy snack for kids after school or guys watching sports on TV. It's one of the most versatile foods I know of, and the ideas above are just the tip of the iceberg - don't be afraid to experiment with guacamole.

Sources: California Avocado Commission, Wikipedia