We can pretty much guarantee its in your pantry as we speak.
But thats far from the truth, our team agreedand the avocado-adoring chefs we spoke to confirm.
In fact, because guacamole recipes are so simple, its even more important to dial-in the details.
Credit:Grant Webster
And no, its not avocados.
(Thats a given!)
Not only does salt make avocados taste better, but it also helps every other ingredient pop.
Credit:Leigh Beisch
Salt alsoslows the enzymatic reactionsthat lead to avocado oxidation.
That means a well-seasoned guacamole wont turn unpleasantly brown as rapidly as an underseasoned dip.
Choose your avocados carefully.
It takes time for avocados to loosen up, if you will, and get ready to party.
The ripeness of the avocados is a deal-breaker.
But if you wait too long, an over-ripe avocado tends to taste kind of muddy.
You need that perfect sweet spot in the middle for optimal guac-ing!
If the stem is situated firmly, that doesnt mean you shouldnt purchase it.
If the flesh under the stem is brown, the avocado is probably over-ripe or splotchy.
Add some acid.
Since guacamole is simple by design, proper seasoning is the key, notes.
Lime juice wakes the avocado up like no other!
Much like salt, it enhances all of the other flavors, too.
Dont overcomplicate things.
Even the most spectacular of secret ingredients cant fix a poorly-seasoned guac.
Heres a brief overview of JawadsSimple Guacamole:
But feel free to add your own flair.
That said, once you are comfortable with your classic guacamole, feel free to accessorize as desired.
Clarkes mom swears by a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an additional note of umami complexity, she says.
Carnesi is fond of garnishing with fried mushrooms or garlic for extra texture and deeper flavor.
As for George Duran, a celebrity chef in New York City, hes sweet on Granny Smith apples.
He folds in 1 diced Granny Smith apple per 3 avocados.
Theyre crisp, tart, and just slightly sweet, which cuts through the richness of the avocado.
Its like giving your guac a refresh button.
Plus, suddenly its more than a dip; its a conversation starter.
The fruity boost can flex with the seasons, Duran says.
Come winter, consider pomegranate seeds.
In summer, try finely-diced mango or pineapple.
Be careful not to overmix.
Instead of resembling baby food, guacamole should have buttery chunks, Duran believes.
Mixing too much is going to give you goopy guacamole thats devoid of texture.
This gives you little chunks of not-mushy avocado, Carnesi says.
Taste as you go.
Serve sooner rather than later.
This is one dish thats madea la minute, or immediately before you plan to dive in.
After perfecting your seasonings, enjoy your guacamole ASAP.
