Guacamole is a popular summertime dip.
As the warm weather days of summer approach, thoughts turn to outdoor gatherings and celebrations. A staple of any festive occasion is guacamole. Whether your recipe has three ingredients or 13, there are some key tools you will want to have on hand when making this classic dip.
Key Ingredients
The avocado is the centerpiece of any guacamole recipe.
The central ingredient in any guacamole is the avocado. To make guacamole, you must slice, seed, peel and mash the avocado. Some chunkier recipes also call for cubes of avocados. All other ingredients are a matter of taste. Some recipes include onions or jalapeno peppers to lend some heat. A selection of herbs and spices ranging from cilantro to cumin can also enhance the flavor of the dip. Finally, some citrus, lime or lemon usually rounds out the traditional guacamole recipe. There are some tools of the trade that will make combining your ingredients and creating this concoction a breeze.
Time-Saving Tools
A food processor makes preparating guacamole a breeze.
For the hostess who craves efficiency, a food processor can be the most effective tool in your arsenal. You will need a knife to slice the avocados, but the food processor will do the rest. If you choose to add fresh cilantro to the mix, a mini herb chopper may come in handy. Electric citrus juicers can make easy work of any lemons or limes your recipe calls for. Ultimately, however, the food processor might be the only tool you need. Simply toss all your ingredients into it and process until your guacamole is as smooth as you like it.
Traditional Tools
The mortar and pestle is an effective tool.
For those who enjoy using a little elbow grease when making their guacamole, the most traditional tool is the molcajete, a Mexican mortar and pestle grinding tool. You might see these in action in restaurants that offer table-side guacamole preparation. Not only can you muddle herbs like cilantro, you can smash jalapenos and mash avocados. Even if you do not have a mortar and pestle handy, you can still make a terrific guacamole. All you really need is a knife for slicing and dicing and a fork for mashing and mixing. Add some chips and a cool drink, and you are ready to enjoy the festivities.
Tags: food processor, mortar pestle, effective tool, guacamole recipe, need knife
