An authentic Mexican dip of mashed avocado seasoned with lime, cilantro, chili and onion, served with crispy tortilla chips.

المقادير

3 ripe avocados

Juice of 2 fresh limes

1/2 small onion, very finely chopped

1-2 green chilies (serrano or jalapeño), finely chopped (to taste)

2 small tomatoes, seeded and diced small

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 garlic clove, very finely minced (optional)

Salt, to taste

Tortilla chips, to serve

خطوات التحضير

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit, then scoop the flesh into a wide bowl.

Mash the avocado roughly with a fork, leaving some small chunks intact for good texture.

Add the lime juice immediately and mix it into the avocado to prevent oxidation.

Add the chopped onion, chili and garlic if using, and mix gently.

Add the diced tomato and chopped fresh cilantro.

Gently mix all the ingredients together without over-mashing.

Taste and adjust salt and lime acidity as needed.

Serve immediately with crispy tortilla chips.

نصيحة

If not serving immediately, place the avocado pit itself on top of the guacamole and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to slow oxidation. Never use a blender — hand-mashing is what preserves the ideal texture.

Guacamole is a dish with roots in the ancient Aztec civilization of Mexico, where it was known as «ahuacamolli» in the Nahuatl language, literally meaning «avocado sauce». It has endured through the centuries to become one of Mexican cuisine's most famous exports to the world, and an indispensable staple on any Mexican table.

The secret to great guacamole lies in the precise balance of fresh ingredients: perfectly ripe avocado mashed only lightly and roughly (not completely smooth) to preserve an interesting texture, the acidity of fresh lime juice that prevents the avocado from oxidizing and browning, the sharpness of onion and chili, and the aroma of fresh cilantro. It should be made right before serving to preserve its vibrant green colour.