Until I visited California the first time I had never had proper guacamole. Growing up in Birmingham, AL I was more familiar with the guacamole they jam into a caulk gun at Taco Bell. Runny, goopy, GROSS! Ok, now I am embarrassed.
In my late twenties, I met Todd who happened to grow up in Southern California where avocados are king and everyone has a special guac recipe of their own. I was terrified the first time I flew out with him to meet his mom and she told me that she was making her homemade guacamole for me. I really didn’t have much guacamole experience to go on, but I put on a brave face and told her I couldn’t wait to give it a try!
What she brought out of her kitchen that evening was unlike any guacamole experience I had ever had! It was full of lime, red onion, and cilantro (the prettiest shade of green I had ever seen) and was the farthest thing from caulk gun guacamole I could have imagined. It was SO good in fact that I was tempted to eat an entire bowl in one sitting. Although I still don’t know her exact recipe, I have spent lots and lots of time over the past 8 years tweaking my own version of her amazing guac and I have to say that I think I’m close! We eat a big bowl of this almost every weekend and when I am having a particularly frustrating day nothing makes me happier than whipping up a big bowl, grabbing a bag of tortilla chips, and hanging out with my family on the patio to unwind.
Quintessential Guacamole
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ripe Hass avocados
- Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup minced cilantro leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise. Remove the pit from the avocado and throw it away. Scoop the avocado from the skin with a large spoon, and place the flesh of the avocado in a mixing bowl. Add the lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and salt into the mixing bowl. Using a fork begin mashing the avocado flesh and the other ingredients together until the mixture is completely combined. You are looking for a texture that is in between chunky and smooth. Serve with tortillas.
You grew up in Birmingham?! I’ve been following your blog for a while and this makes me love it even more. Also, there’s some great guac in town now 🙁
Annie,I sure did! My parents still have 2 bakeries there so we visit as often as we can. I must get your Birmingham guacamole recommendations for when I come back to visit! 🙂
That was supposed to be a :), obviously!
This guacamole truly looks perfect. Such a nice recipe!
Thanks Katrina!
Love these moody photos… just gorgeous as is your recipe. I might be required to add in a few fresh chopped tomatoes from the garden – tis the season 😉
Thanks Kelly! I have been known to add in tomatoes as well, but my kids get really mad at me when I do. Ha! I love this guacamole recipe as a base, you can add whatever you like, slather it on whatever you like and it is always god!
Meg I am obsessed with these photos, so beautiful!! As you mentioned {in the comment above this} this really is the PERFECT guac base. Super simple, super straight-forward, the best recipe to leave as is or sprinkly in a few little friends. Love it!!
XO SHERRIE
Thanks so much Sherrie!
Growing up in the Midwest, I believe I was also well into my 20’s by the time I discovered (and obsessed) over avocados and guac! Such perfection in such a simple food. 🙂
I am so glad that I am not alone Lynell! I felt so cheated when I finally had proper guacamole that I have spent the past 8 years making up for it:)
As a native So. Californian I say Amen, Sister! We love our Mexican food here and guacamole is a must. Food in general makes everything better, but a good Guac! Oh yes. Only downside is the calories. Have a good margarita with it and soon the calories are forgotten. Can’t wait to try this recipe out. Have an avocado ripening at home as we speak. Thanks for the post.
Margaritas + guac = perfection! Crystal I can’t wait for you to try this guac. 🙂
You know I love guacamole!!!
Gaby, I know you do! I’ll gladly make you a big bowl:)
I’ve never been a huge fan of guacamole, even though I love avocados and grew up in Southern California. This recipe, however, might turn the tables for me. It sounds delicious.
Thanks so much Susan! I served this guac to an avocado hater not too long ago and he loved it, I think you might too:)
Just finished making this recipe. Yummmm!!! I added a little jalepeno for myself, but kept it as is for the kiddos. It’s a hit all around!
Yay Ginny! I am so glad that you and the kids enjoyed it:) I love adding a little jalapeno when I have it on hand too, can’t be beat.