Growing up in Kazakhstan, I had never even heard of guacamole until I moved to Europe. Avocados were practically unheard of in my hometown, and the idea of mashing them up into a delicious dip seemed exotic and strange at the time.

However, as I settled into my new surroundings, I quickly realised that avocados were everywhere. They popped up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all over the place. It’s not really a surprise though. This versatile fruit (or is it a vegetable?) not only adds a creamy and indulgent touch to dishes but also packs a punch of incredible health benefits. And thus, my journey with guacamole began.

Join me as I share my love for this mouth-watering avocado-based dip and guide you through an easy guacamole recipe that will leave you craving more.

The History of Guacamole

Guacamole, a beloved avocado dip, has a rich and fascinating history that spans multiple cultures over many centuries. The origins of guacamole can be traced back to the Aztecs, the indigenous people of Mesoamerica who inhabited what is now known as Mexico. The word “guacamole” itself comes from the Aztec Nahuatl language, derived from the words ahuacatl meaning avocado (in most cases) and molli meaning sauce or mixture.

Avocados, the primary ingredient in guacamole, have been cultivated in Central and South America for thousands of years. The Aztecs highly valued avocados for their creamy texture and nutritional properties, considering them a luxurious and versatile fruit.

Avocados were not only used for culinary purposes but also held significant cultural and religious symbolism for the Aztecs, believed to possess aphrodisiac qualities and be associated with fertility. In fact, the Aztec word for avocado, ahuacatl, also means “testicle”. Some stories even suggest that “young and vulnerable” women were kept inside during avocado season to avoid them being tempted by the fruit of fertility.

So, now you know: the guacamole recipe is actually a recipe for testicle sauce. Yummy!

Ingredients:

• Ripe avocados: 1-2
• Tomato: 1 medium-sized
• Red onion: 1 small
• Fresh garlic: 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Lime: Juice of 1/2 lime
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Jalapeño (optional): 1

How to Make Guacamole:

1.Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl.

2. Mash avocado with a fork or potato masher until it reaches your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier guacamole, while others prefer it smoother.

3. Add the finely chopped tomato, red onion, garlic and jalapeño (if using), to the bowl with the mashed avocado.

4. Add fresh lime juice (or lemon juice) to the mixture to prevent browning and add a tangy flavour.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

6. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

7. Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preferences.

8. If you prefer spicier guacamole, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of ground cumin for extra flavour.

8. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a dip for vegetables.

9. If you have any leftover guacamole, transfer it to an airtight container and press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to slow down the browning process. Store it in the fridge for up to two days.

Enjoy your yummy guacamole! It’s a perfect dip for parties, snacks, or as a topping for your favourite Mexican dishes.

Ways to Serve Homemade Guacamole:

Guacamole is an awesome recipe that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some popular ways to use guacamole:

• Dip: Serve guacamole as a dip alongside tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable sticks. It’s a classic party appetiser or snack that is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Tacos and Burritos: Spread a generous amount of guacamole on tacos or burritos as a flavourful and creamy topping. It pairs well with various fillings like grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetarian options. Check out how we use it in our healthy chicken burrito recipe.
• Nachos: Layer guacamole onto a bed of crispy nachos along with melted cheese, salsa, sour cream, and other toppings for loaded nachos. You can just use Doritos if you’re at home.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Use guacamole as a spread or topping for burgers and sandwiches. It adds a creamy and tangy component that pairs well with meats, veggies, or even as a vegan alternative to mayo. Even better: spread it on your homemade whole wheat bread for an amazing healthy sandwich.
• Salads: Dollop guacamole onto salads to replace traditional dressings.
• Breakfast: Spread guacamole on toast or use it as a filling for breakfast burritos or wraps.
• Grilled Meats and Seafood: Use guacamole to accompany grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish. It’s amazing!
• Eggs: If you want to get really Mexican, top your scrambled eggs, omelettes, or huevos rancheros with a spoonful of guacamole.
• Baked Potatoes: Replace traditional toppings like butter and sour cream with guacamole on baked potatoes.

Remember you can get creative by using guacamole in various other ways based on your preferences.

Is Guacamole Healthy?

Whether you’re having authentic Mexican guacamole or making it at home, you can rest assured that it’s good for you. There’s often debate about avocados because they contain more fat and calories than other fruits. However, this stems from the confusion between saturated fats and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Avocados have very little saturated fats (the bad kind).

As for guacamole a review of 18 studies found that avocados, and in turn, guacamole, increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind).

Fun Fact About the Guacamole Recipe

In 2013, the town of Tancítaro, Mexico, set the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of guacamole. With the help of 450 students and local volunteers, they prepared a whopping 3,788 kg (8,351 pounds) of guacamole using fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, coriander, fresh lime juice, and other seasonings. The record-breaking achievement celebrated the town’s avocado industry and showcased the love for this beloved dip. It highlighted the cultural significance of avocados and brought attention to the deliciousness and versatility of guacamole.

Enjoy Your Guacamole

Now you know how to make guacamole, you can tweak the recipe and make it your own. For it to be the best homemade guacamole recipe, you’ll need to add a few personal touches. We all have different tastes after all.

If you enjoyed this guacamole recipe, we invite you to explore more of our delicious recipes! Check out our Mexican food page for more Mexican recipes. We also have a wide variety of foreign dishes waiting for you to discover, from Russian cheese pancakes for breakfast to cheesecake for dessert. There’s something for every taste and occasion.

Explore our recipes from around the world to get a taste of each travel destination before you go.