Guacamole

Guacamole is a much-loved traditional Mexican salsa made from avocado, onion, tomato, chillies, lime juice, fresh coriander and salt. It has a smooth creamy texture and is perhaps one of the most popular Mexican salsas in the world. It can either be eaten as is with plain tortilla chips or served as an accompaniment with your favourite Mexican food, such as nachos, tacos and fajitas.

Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 250g ripe avocado flesh
• 50g finely chopped red onion
• 50g de-seeded tomato, chopped
• 1–2 Jalapeño or Serrano chillies (red or green), chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Mash the avocado flesh into your preferred consistency using either the back of a fork, molcajete or pestle and mortar and then transfer to a large mixing bowl.


2. Add the onion, tomato, Jalapeño or Serrano chillies and fresh coriander.


3. Add the lime juice, season with salt and mix thoroughly.


4. Leave to stand for approximately 30 minutes for all of the flavours to develop and then transfer to a serving bowl.

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Notes:

• Jalapeño chillies are traditionally used when making this, but most Capsicum annuum varieties will work just fine. I've also found that Capsicum pubescens varieties work well.


• Guacamole should ideally be served no later than 4 hours after preparation because after this time the avocado flesh will begin to turn brown due to oxidisation. However, although this may look unappetising to some people, the salsa will still be perfectly safe to consume and the flavour won't be altered in any way.