Guacamole!  Oh, YUM!!!

It’s seriously one of my favorites.  And guess what?  It’s NATURALLY gluten free.  I’m sure you already knew that, though!

This is truly a delicious and easy dish to make for any party or social gathering.  Or, it’s great to just eat by the spoonfuls on your porch as others watch you with jealousy (the reality is, they’re probably really thinking… “What in the world is she eating NOW?” Or, my favorite response… “It’s green, ewwwwww!”)

With what do I eat my guacamole?  Celery sticks, or course!  Or cucumber crackers!  Helllooo…this is a grain free world we live in here, folks.  Sorry, no tortilla chips.  BUT…I did try plaintain chips last week on my Facebook page.  Could be a contender with a little work.  We’ll see.

I shared my favorite guac recipe a while back, but since it’s summer-ish now, parties and cook-outs abound…and so do avocados for 59 cents at Aldi!  That calls for a celebration!

Step 1:  Time the ripeness of the avocados

Avocados in the store may be ripe already (brownish-green and not firm when slightly squeezed), but more likely they will be green.  

If your event is tonight, you need the brownish-green ones that are not firm!  If you have a few days, you can purchase them green or slightly brownish-green (as in the picture).

Step 2:  Purchase good quality cilantro, red onion, lime, and sea salt

Tip:  Remember to check the sea salt for hidden ingredients!  Buy organic if you can.

Step 3:  Ripen the avocados

Tip:  I place the avocados in a paper bag in the garage, sometimes with other fruit that’s not firm.  I’m not sure if it really helps speed up the ripening process, but it sounds like a good tip, so I’ll keep doing it.  

Step 4:  Follow this simple recipe for the BEST guac!

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 1/4 of a red onion, chopped chunky
• 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro (or more to taste)
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1/4 t. sea salt 

After scooping out the avocado into a medium mixing bowl, save the seeds (pits).  Chop the avocado into chunks.  Add the red onion and cilantro, combining well.  Add the lime juice and sea salt and combine thoroughly.

Allow it to “rest” for a few minutes before tasting.  Add salt or lime juice per your personal preference.

Step 5:  To keep the guac from turning brown (oxidizing) too quickly, do this:

Add the avocado pits to the finished guacamole until served (thanks to my sister Susan for that great tip!)

Extra Tip:  To ensure your guests aren’t grossed out by seeing the pits…or worse, they try to eat them…just remove the avocado pits prior to serving.

Enjoy!

~GGF Gourmet