Guacamole (Avocado Dip)

 One of the most interesting recipe that I discovered when I came to USA was "Guacamole" or "Guac" (its the shortened name, spoken widely in USA). Interesting because its just pure blending of different raw  ingredients but in a certain proportion. Each ingredient contributes to this dish in its own way. If any of the ingredient is added in excess, it will overpower the dish thus loosing its taste. Its a very simple dish, that can be readily made with ingredients available in refrigerator. This might not be same for my followers in India because "Avocados" is not something readily available in Indian Kitchen. Nowadays with everybody being health conscious and Avocado being the rich source of protein, it has been included in different ways in our diet. 

A fun fact that I learned living abroad and meeting people from Mexico, is that, people in Mexico celebrate "National Guacamole Day" on September 16 the same day as Mexico Independence Day.

Let's have a look at the recipe:

Ingredients: 

3 ripe Avocados

1 Jalapeno

1 chopped Onion

1 diced Tomato

1/2 cup boiled Corn Kernels (Optional)

1/2 lime

1/4 cup Cilantro

Salt to taste

1 tsp Pepper

Method:

The main trick to this dish is getting correctly ripe avocados. I usually buy unripe and keep it in Kitchen for 3-4 days and wait for it to ripen enough. Make sure you do not overripe it as its not considered healthy. If you are not confident, then make sure you buy that are already well ripe. If the avocado skin is "Dark Green" in color then its ripe. Too much dark and squishy is a sign of Avocado gone bad.

With the help of a knife draw a line on the outer edge of avocado, remember that seed of avocado won't allow you to cut through it. Hence give a round cut to the outer edges and with the help of your hands twist the both ends of Avocado and it will split in half. With the use of spoon, scoop out the seed and scoop out the inside of avocado. 

Slice the Jalapeno and remove all the seeds and diced it to small pieces. WARNING: Use gloves while cleaning the Jalapeno orelse your hands will burn entire day.

Add all other ingredients in mentioned quantity.

With the help of smasher, smash the avocado and mix all ingredients gently with spoon. Sprinkle lime all over the dip. Lime prevent guacamole from turning black.

Enjoy the guacamole with Tostitos, Kale Chips, Nachos or just have it by self like me :)