GUACAMOLE

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Guacamole is a deliciously healthy, creamy fresh dip.  You can serve it together with some freshly cut vegetable sticks or with tortillas like the Mexican tradition.  It’s easily made in minutes so it’s a real go to snack when friends pop over for a movie night.

Ever since I tasted Guacamole, many, many years ago, I’ve been literally hooked.  It’s one of my favourite dips and to be honest, you don’t need to feel guilty if you happen to eat more than your fair share because it’s a healthy choice and made with fresh ingredients.

AVODADOS

The two main types of avocados are Haas and Fuerte.  The Haas has a rough, pebbly type skin that’s green when it’s not ripe and a purply-black colour when it’s matured. 

The Fuerte has a smooth green skin and has a pear shape.  The Fuerte does not change colour when it’s ripe but remains green.

Avocados are classified as a fruit, however it’s used mainly as a vegetable since it has a mild, nutty flavor and even a little bland.

HOW TO TEST IF AN AVOCADO IS RIPE

OK, so now you know that the Haas avocado changes colour from green to purply-black when it’s ripe but how do you know when the Fuerte avocado is ready to eat?

Good question!

Basically apply a little pressure at the thin end and if it yields slightly and you can feel that the flesh seems soft then the avocado is ready.

Hence if you want to serve the avocados or use them in a dish like Guacamole on the day you buy them, ensure they are fully ripe.

TIP

The flesh of the avocado oxidises and loses it’s vibrant colour pretty quickly.  If you need to let them stand for a while after cutting them, brush them immediately with some lemon juice.  This will assist in stopping this process and thus helping them retain their fresh colour.

ARE AVOCADOS GOOD FOR YOU?

Avocados are a really healthy choice and are particularly rich in unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals.

Out of all the fruits, it has the lowest sugar content but the richest in fat.  However, these fats are good fats because they’re monounsaturated.  They also contain fibre, antioxidants and provide a good amount of potassium and B group vitamins.  This is particularly important if you follow a vegan diet.

HOW CAN YOU USE AN AVOCADO IN COOKING?

This fruit with its very pleasant taste and consistency, lends itself to enriching many savoury and sweet dishes.  With an added bonus:  it’s good for your health!

Avocados are delicious even if they’re eaten in their natural state.  What do I mean by that?

Basically mashed avocado can be added on your toast or sandwich. 

Avocados can be halved, remove the stone and you can spoon in some of your favourite dressing to serve as a starter.

The hollow can also be filled with seafood such as prawns together with a dressing or tartare sauce.

Not to mention that you can slice it and toss it into a salad.  In this case, dip the slices in some lemon juice to prevent discolouring.

Avocado can also used in soups however make sure to add it just before serving as the avocado becomes bitter on reheating.

Avocado is also a great main ingredient if you’re wanting to make a vegan chocolate mousse.  I’ve also added it to my fruit shakes to make them thick and creamy.  Absolutely luscious!  Try it.

I’ll have to remember to post my recipe on the blog for you to try.

HOW TO MAKE GUACAMOLE

Now that you have some information on avocados let’s get down to the Guacamole recipe.

Guacamole is an avocado purée with a few basic added ingredients like chilli pepper, chopped onion and lemon juice.

My recipe is very simple and uses only 5 ingredients.  All of which you should have in the pantry except perhaps the avocado.

I also prefer to blend the ingredients in a food processor rather than just mashing the avocado flesh as the traditional recipes state.  That’s just personal preference.

Here’s the recipe and ENJOY!  If you do try it I’d love to have your comments and would appreciate you placing a star rating and comments below.  Thanks.

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