How to Make Guacamole: Traditional Mexican Guacamole Recipe

 
10 min

Learn how to make guacamole with this authentic Mexican guacamole recipe. Although guacamole is perhaps more commonly eaten with chips, it also makes an excellent addition to several Mexican dishes. It can also be used in place of mayo or used as a topping for toast or even baked potatoes as a substitute for common condiments.


Authentic Mexican Guacamole


When I have Mexican food, I make this traditional guacamole recipe. Sure, you can buy guacamole in the store, but it just isn’t the same. Homemade traditional Mexican guacamole tastes fresher than what you can buy at the store. If you compare store bought to homemade, homemade will win every time.


When you learn how to make guacamole from scratch, you can control the ingredients. I use an authentic Mexican guacamole recipe with lime juice to make this tasty avocado recipe. I also add jalapeno or serrano peppers for their flavor and heat. Although adding peppers is authentic, you can make this recipe without adding peppers if you want a milder flavor without heat in your guacamole.


Learning how to make guacamole is fairly easy. It only takes about 10 minutes to make this fresh homemade dip, so you can make it while your dinner is cooking. Or whip it up as a quick weeknight snack, as an easy lunch idea or for weekend gatherings.


Is Guacamole a Traditional Mexican Food?


Guacamole is a traditional Mexican food. Avocados have been grown and used for food in South Central Mexico for 10,000 years. Guacamole dates back as early as the late 1600s when a guacamole recipe was first mentioned in a book. Although it was not called guacamole at the time, the recipe remains similar but with additions to improve the flavor.


It’s believed that the Aztec people in central Mexico made guacamole solely from avocados by mashing them. Avocados are high in protein and fat, making them a good food source. Not to mention, they taste great!


Why is Guacamole So Popular?


Guacamole is popular today because it’s a healthy dip that’s easy to make at home. Avocados are high in good fat and high in protein, so they are a healthy food. Learning how to make guacamole is quick and easy to make at home, so it’s a popular dip for parties and to serve with Mexican foods.


What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Avocados?


Avocados are a healthy food. A 40 gram serving (approximate ⅕ of an avocado) contains:


  • 64 calories
  • Just under 6 grams of fat
  • 3.4 grams of carbohydrates
  • Less than 1 gram of sugar
  • Just under 3 grams of fiber
  • Vitamin C, E, K and B-6
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Folate
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Beta-carotene
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Litein


What is Traditional Guacamole Made Of?


Somewhere through history the recipe for making guacamole changed. Today, traditional Mexican guacamole is made with avocados, sea salt, cilantro, onions, lime juice and jalapenos. Some recipes also call for tomatoes, sour cream, peas or basil.


How Do You Pick Ripe Avocados?


You want to use ripe avocados for authentic Mexican guacamole. If it’s not ripe, the avocado will be too firm to mash. An avocado is ripe when it feels soft, but isn’t mushy. The outside should be a dark green color. However, this can vary. It’s best to use touch to determine when an avocado is ripe.


What Type of Onion is Used to Make Authentic Guacamole?


Red or white onions are typically used to make an authentic Mexican guacamole recipe. White onions have a cleaner taste, which is important for this recipe. While red onions have a milder flavor and are subtly sweet. You can also use either a red onion or a white onion based on your flavor preference. However, I recommend that you not use a yellow onion to create this homemade dip recipe.


What Can I Substitute for Lime Juice in Guacamole?


If you do not have lime juice, then you can substitute lemon juice or vinegar for the lime juice instead. You can also omit the lime juice in this traditional Mexican guacamole dip, if desired. However, it’s important to note that your dip will quickly turn brown without a citrus juice or other component to slow the process.


Does Authentic Guacamole Have Garlic in It?


Authentic Mexican guacamole does not have garlic in it.


Get tips on how to make traditional Mexican guacamole here. Plus learn how to keep guacamole fresh, ways to serve it, and ideas for use outside of chips and dip.


How to Make Guacamole: Traditional Mexican Guacamole Recipe
Recipe details
  •  
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time:   Total time: 10 min
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Ingredients

  • 3-4 Avocados, cubed
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper, sliced or minced
  • 10 stems of cilantro, minced
  • 3-4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ Red onion, diced
  • 4 Tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 2 limes
  • Sea salt, to taste
Instructions

Cut the peppers, cilantro, onion, tomato and avocado.
Place avocado cubes in a large bowl and mash with a fork until it is smooth.
Add the juice from two limes and add salt to taste. Mix well.
Add the onion, tomato and cilantro. Stir to combine.
Tips
  • Wear gloves when cutting peppers as the oils will linger on hands even after washing.
  • Leave the seeds in the peppers for a spicy guacamole dip. For a mild dip, remove the pepper seeds.
Rebecca D. Dillon
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