Guacamole is one of several dips and toppings often associated with Mexican foods. If you like the flavor of avocado, you will probably like the flavor of guacamole. It is simple to make and, although it has few ingredients, is rich in flavor. It goes well with most meats and as a dip for tortillas (soft or hard flour tortillas and corn tortillas) or even potato chips.
Ingredients
Recipes for guacamole vary a bit, but they all contain avocado. Additional ingredients normally include salt and lime or lemon juice. Sometimes a common Mexican food seasoning, cilantro, is added, as well as tomatoes, onions (both finely chopped) or salsa.
Making Guacamole
Avocadoes are blended (do this using a spoon to mash them) in a bowl and the other ingredients are then added to the avocado. Some people prefer the dip a bit chunky and don't blend it entirely smooth. Most recipes call for around 1 tbsp. of lemon juice or lime juice per one to two avocadoes. Only a pinch of salt is usually necessary, but the amount is up to your individual taste. The other ingredients (salsa, chopped tomatoes, cilantro and onion) should be blended in gradually until the dip is the consistency you prefer.
Uses
Guacamole is used as a dip for tortilla chips and is also used as an extra topping for tacos, fajitas, burritos and other Mexican or Tex-Mex entrées. Guacamole may also be used in foods, for instance wrapped inside a burrito, rather than simply as a topping on foods.
Calories
According to fitday.com, guacamole made with avocadoes, onions, lemon juice and salt has 367.53 calories per cup. Divide that by 16 (there are 16 tbsp. per cup) and that equals about 23 calories per tbsp., which is close to the amount of a typical serving per person when used as a dip.
Considerations
People who eat guacamole may benefit in more ways than culinary pleasure. Avocadoes are not low in calories, but they are low in saturated fats and rich in other nutrients.
Guacamole will turn brown eventually when exposed to the air (including when refrigerated). Avoid this by sealing the guacamole in an enclosed container, or using plastic wrap to cover the dish, before use. The acid in the lemon or lime juice used when making guacamole also helps slow the dip's browning.
Warning
According to innvista.com, you should not eat avocadoes or guacamole if you are taking an MAO inhibitor.
Pets (birds, dogs, cats and horses) should not be allowed to eat avocado (and therefore, guacamole)---the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists it as toxic to these animals.
Tags: lemon juice, also used, like flavor, lime juice, other ingredients
