Guacamole is a flavorful and versatile dip or spread commonly served in Mexican cuisine. It is typically made from mashed ripe avocados and other ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Combining these ingredients creates a creamy and spicy mixture that can be enjoyed with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a condiment for sandwiches.

One of the critical elements in making guacamole is selecting the perfect avocados. They should be ripe enough to mash easily but not overripe or mushy. To determine if an avocado is ripe, gently squeeze it to feel if it gives slightly to pressure. It is not ripe if it is too firm, and if it is too soft, it is overripe. Once the avocados are ready, they have typically mashed with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth but still slightly chunky.

Recipe

Makes approx. 1 cup

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup avocado flesh
• ½ cup tomato, cored and chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½–1 tsp red chile, seeded and finely chopped
• one garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• one pinch of salt

Directions

Put the ingredients in the small bowl of a food processor and pulse until roughly combined. Keep it chunky!
Alternatively, place the avocado in a bowl and mash it with a fork.

Coarsely chop the tomato into small pieces. Add all the other ingredients to the bowl and combine.
Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.