I knew the perfect accompaniment to my quesadillas would be some fresh guacamole, however I had never attempted my own homemade guacamole. As any other type A personality would do, I looked up numerous recipes for research. For such a simple side, guacamole surprisingly have some controversy attached to it. Lemon vs. lime, red onion vs. white onion, hot sauce or no hot sauce... Who would have known!
After looking at a multitude of recipes, I started to see a distinction between "the best" and "authentic". On the internet, many people raved about the Barefoot Contessa's version, yet others complained the real recipe did not need garlic and should have a jalapeno and fresh cilantro. While I enjoyed reading all the different ways and opinions, I realized my stomach was getting awfully needy so I finally decided on a compilation of a few due to the limitations of what was available in my fridge.
After making this, I realized while I might have followed different recipes half heartedly, it turned out well because I made sure to stop and taste in between many of the steps to ensure it was satisfying my guacamole expectations: chunky, balanced, and fresh.
Kiki's Just-Right Guacamole
2 ripe Haas avacados, gently diced into 1/2 inch squares
1/2 onion, minced
1 clove of garlic, smashed and minced
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped roughly
1/2 lime
1/2 tomato, gently diced into 1/2 inch squares
salt and pepper to taste
dash of red pepper flakes
Assemble and prepare all ingredients. Add onion, garlic, and tomato to the bowl. Gently add the diced avacados, squeeze 1/2 the lime into the bowl, and toss the mixture gently. I like my guacamole chunky and an uneven texture. Make sure you taste at this point, and add more lime juice if it's not acidic enough.
While you let the flavors meet and meld together, take a bunch of fresh cilantro and roughly chop it until you have about a 1/2 cup (or less if you're not a fan). Add the chopped cilantro, a shake of red pepper flakes, and a couple turns of the salt and pepper grinder to taste.
Enjoy with tortilla chips and/or delicious quesadillas.
And if you have leftovers (like me), try some of these fun recipes out:
-pulled pork and sriracha guacamole grilled cheese
-guacamole pizza!
-a protein filled guacamole quinoa salad
I love quesadillas of all kinds and this guacamole looks like the perfect compliment! I made a how-to video for guacamole in Spanish a couple years ago for Spanish Class and most of the time spent on the assignment was looking for the perfect guacamole. I completely understand your struggle to find the best recipe, it's a bit of a jungle out there.
ReplyDeleteI loved your tale of searching for the quintessential guac. Yours looks divine, and reading your post I am so hungry for some guac and blue corn tortilla chips! Ahh, food porn...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite "guacamole" is just mashed avocado with salt and pepper. This looks like a wonderful combination of flavors, and I would be interested to try this slightly more complicated version. You were right to taste as you compiled ingredients: the avocado is the star here and you wouldn't want to overwhelm it.
ReplyDeleteAs you pointed out, there is an overwhelming variety in the recipes available for a single dish online, and it's only complicated further by the "best" vs "authentic" debate. Like you, I usually let a recipe guide me and never follow it to a T.. The "best" recipe is somewhere between the two of those- the one that is catered towards our own preferences and tastes which you can measure via taste test as you cook.
ReplyDeleteI have had avocado slices on pizza before, but I have yet to try guacamole pizza. Hmm, I think it's time to try that.
ReplyDeleteI love you loving named the recipe "Kiki's Just-Right Guacamole".
ReplyDelete