Choosing a guacamole recipe that will please everybody is no easy task, but this one stands out with its unique blend of subtle tartness, nicely balanced heat, and a creamy-chunky texture that's hard to resist. Finely minced jalapeño and garlic spice things up, but the freshly ground, toasted cumin seeds give this chunky guacamole recipe its true character. Dare we say, it’s the secret ingredient of this festive dish. Now, all you need is a bag of study tortilla chips that can handle the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should guacamole be chunky or smooth?
Whether you serve guacamole chunky or smooth ultimately comes down to personal preference. But some folks may argue it’s best if guacamole falls more on the side of chunky, highlighting the fresh bits of avocado in every bite. Granted, if you can’t decide between the two, then we suggest having it both ways: somewhere in the middle between creamy and chunky for the best of both worlds.
How do you keep guacamole from browning?
Oxygen is public enemy number one when it comes to guacamole, so the best way to prevent guacamole from browning is by reducing air exposure as much as possible. One way to do so is by gently covering the surface with plastic wrap until ready to consume. However, the acidity from the fresh lemon juice in the recipe will also help keep the avocados from oxidizing too quickly.
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
When rock-hard avocados are testing your patience, there are a few avocado ripening tricks that actually work. One of the best methods entails stashing the avocado in a paper bag along with an apple, banana, or kiwi. These fruits release high levels of ethylene gas that help expedite the avocado ripening process.
To ensure the dish is balanced and appropriately seasoned, taste the guacamole as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier guacamole dish, add more jalapeño seeds instead of discarding them. On the other hand, you may find that a pinch or two more of salt will help balance the dish and highlight its acidity and spiciness even better.
