NOT-JUST-ANOTHER GUACAMOLE

I remember when I was about 15 years old,, guacamole was starting to become very popular in Toronto. Many stores and restaurants were selling them and everyone was eating it. I would eat it with my friends with nacho chips or when I went out for dinner as an appetiser. It felt more as a treat because I really never thought about making it at home. Fast forward to more than a decade later, I make it on a regular basis and especially when I have people over as it is a true crowd pleaser. When I invite guests to my home, you’ll often find my Mexican dipping quartet: salsa, pico de gallo, mango salsa and guacamole and they go nuts! Everyone loves them!

It’s healthy, fresh, creamy with a slight crisp and it’s very flavourful. it’s honestly one of the best simple snacks to eat and it’s truly a versatile food item. For example, you can add it into your salads, buddha bowl, chicken, and into your burgers! I truly adore it.

I will be sharing my recipes for my Mexican quartet with you and we are going to start with this guacamole! It’s so easy to make and you’ll surely impress your friends and family at your next party.

I hope you enjoy!

-Ari Yori

NOT-JUST-ANOTHER GUACAMOLE RECIPE

prep time: 10 minutes

portion: 4-5 servings

---

INGREDIENTS

2 ripe avocados

1 small red onion, finely chopped

small bunch of fresh coriander, finely chopped

1 small garlic clove, crushed and finely chopped

1 roma tomato, diced

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2-3 fresh lime juice

1/4tsp cumin powder

salt & pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium sized bowl, mash your avocados using a fork. Don’t over mash the avocados. You want to have some pieces that are slightly chunky.

2. Add the red onion, coriander, tomato, garlic, olive oil, lime juice and cumin powder to the mashed avocados and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper to your desired taste. Add more lime juice if you prefer.

PRO TIPS

• Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripened. It will feel lightly soft but it will not feel “mushy” to the touch. Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it in a day or two to prevent the fruit from becoming overripe or spoiled. If your avocado is not ripened and if you want to to speed up the avocado ripening process, I recommend placing unripe avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for two to three days until they are ripe.