Guacamole

Guacamole is a versatile food that can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or vegetables, as a spread for sandwiches or burgers, or as a topping for tacos or burritos. It is often enjoyed as a healthy and flavorful addition to many dishes.

Guacamole is a popular dip or condiment that originated in Mexico. It is typically made by mashing ripe avocados and mixing them with various ingredients such as chopped onion, tomato, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Some variations may also include spices like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.

My first encounter with Avocado was some years ago, before creating a blog and at a time when the internet connections were slow and we paid by the hour when connected, so information was not easily accessible. 

I don't even remember what I did with it but I remember we did not like it.

A few weeks ago when I went to the supermarket and I saw the avocados I wanted to give this another try.

I google searched it and read all about it.  Was it a fruit or a vegetable?  How many varieties are there?  Where did it come from?  How healthy is it?

From what I read I came to the conclusion that avocado is a fruit and a vegetable, just like the tomato is, although avocado can be used both in a main course but also as a dessert. 

Another reason I have come to this conclusion is because it contains a seed.  Vegetables usually form their seed when their productive cycle has ended.

It is very high in monosaturates, which means the oil content of avocados comes second  after olives among fruits. 

Clinical studies have shown that avocado oil can promote a healthy blood flow, reduce blood cholesterol and  better circulation makes for better brain function.  

It is also used in cosmetics for its anti-aging and other properties.

This fruit which originated from South Mexico (although) it was also cultivated up to the Central Peru before the invasion of the Europeans is now cultivated in many other countries as well. 

In Greece avocado is mainly cultivated in Crete, Chania and the largest part of the volumes was sold in the Greek market and the exported volumes destined for European countries were limited. 

However, the production is increasing annually due to a large demand from the European countries and a better profit made than olives. 

The  varieties cultivated in Greece are about 85% of that share is held by the Fuerte variety, 9% is held by Hass and 6% by Zutano.

After learning more about this fruit I decided to make Guacamole following a video I watched and giving it my own twist.

I must say that it was delicious.  It was so creamy that my husband asked me if I had added mayonnaise in it.

Here are a few tips how to cut Avocados:

• The avocado should be ripe.
• Cut the avocado in half, lengthwise around the seed
• Turn the two halves to separate
• Remove the seed, using a spoon but don't throw it away.  If we leave it in the dip, it will help prevent your dish from browning.
• If the avocado is ripe you can remove the skin with your fingers or use a knife
• Or scoop the fruit away from the skin with a spoon
• Squeeze lemon or lime juice to keep the fruit from browning

Ingredients needed to make Guacamole

• Ripe avocados
• Tomato
• Onion
• Garlic (optional, I did not use it)
• Jalapeño or other hot pepper
• Cilantro or parsley (I used parsley)
• Lime or lemon juice (I used lemon juice)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Here's how to make Guacamole

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Use a fork to mash the avocado until it is mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
3. Cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds and juice with a spoon.
4. Dice the tomato flesh into small pieces.
5. Add the tomato, chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper (if using) to the bowl.
6. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the chopped parsley.
7. Stir everything together until well combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the guacamole immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

 

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!