Happy Fri-YAY, everyone!!
To me, Friday nights are all about low-key moments with my family and friends. I am usually coming home from a long day at the hospital and all I want to do is change into my sweatpants, pour a glass of wine, and relax.
With snacks.
My favorite Friday night snack (especially during Lent with its vegan Fridays)?
Guacamole!
Nothing can beat the combination of smooth avocado, sweet tomato, and tangy lime. Guacamole is not only delicious, but it can be whipped up super quickly. Which is good, because I can never, ever make enough! (especially if The YIA’s around – she can probably eat a whole bowl by herself)
The one thing that is different about my guacamole than the original is that it is CILANTRO-FREE. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have stripped one of the quintessential ingredients from my recipe (just like I did with my hummus recipe). My mom and my best friend T both say that cilantro tastes like soap (gross!), so when I make Mexican food, I make sure it’s cilantro-free. Trust me, you will not miss the cilantro from this guacamole recipe… I promise.
Which starts with a couple ripe Hass avocados.
Which I diced up and tossed into a large bowl.
And then I tossed in a bit of finely minced red onion. White onion works beautifully here too!
Add a sprinkle of kosher salt (the avocados really need it).
And a big squeeze of lime – about half a lime works here. You want just enough lime juice to just coat the avocado, but not so much to drown it. I have found too much lime juice overpowers the avocado and gives the guacamole a slightly metallic taste. Not awesome.
Then use a fork and roughly mash the avocado into a consistency that looks good to you. I like the stage between chunky and smooth – the guacamole is about 75% smooth with some bigger chunks spread throughout.
Finally, add in some finely chopped tomatoes. Since it’s not quite tomato season here yet, I diced up some small (but sweet) grape tomatoes. But if you have AH-mazing tomatoes by you, big ole tomatoes work here too! Using a spatula, gently fold the tomato into the mashed avocado – you don’t want to squash and mangle the tomatoes too much.
All that’s left is to put the guacamole into a pretty dish.
And watch it disappear!
A great snack for any relaxing night in with family and friends.
So, kiddos, what’s your favorite Friday night plans? Let me know!
Your sweatpants wearin’, guacamole makin’ friend,
Catherine
- 2 ripe Hass avocados, diced
- 1-2 tablespoons finely minced onion - depending on how onion-y you like your guacamole!
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice from half a lime
- ½ cup finely diced tomatoes
- In a large bowl, combine avocado, onion, salt, and lime juice. Using a fork, mash avocado to the consistency you prefer - chunky to completely smooth.
- Add in the tomatoes and gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Spoon guacamole into a bowl and serve alongside tortilla chips or raw veggies!
[…] And everything would have to be served with a side of guacamole! […]