Green Garbanzo Guacamole opens in a new tabAlthough I love avocadoes in salad and sandwiches, the first time I had guacamole, I didn’t like it. The flavor seemed off. When I realized I had eaten powdered guacamole mix, I no longer wondered why I didn’t like it! The mix contained partially hydrogenated oil, sugar and a chemical preservative that I couldn’t pronounce. Thank goodness I eventually moved to Texas where I discovered amazing fresh guacamole! Now, I make it using a variety of unique ingredients though my favorite go-to recipe is this crazy easy Superfast Guac opens in a new tab.
Did you know guacamole was first made by the Aztec Indians in Mexico? They would mash avocadoes, sometimes with onion and tomato. The Spanish took the idea back to Spain in the 16th century, but the climate of Europe would not allow for the easy cultivation of avocadoes. So for the next few hundred years, the only way to eat an avocado was to travel to the Americas where they grew. (Can you imagine how excited the Europeans would have been if they could have tasted Oaxaca-Style Guacamole opens in a new tab?)
Mash-ups
While traditional guacamole calls for onion, cilantro, lime juice, tomatoes, hot chile peppers and salt, there are plenty of unique ingredients to try. For example, Green Garbanzo Guacamole opens in a new tab is made with green garbanzo beans and Roma tomatoes. Here are some more ideas:
A variety of onions make great additions. Give red onions a try!
Summer squash, cucumbers, carrots, celery, fennel and radishes add flavor and crunch, or can be used as dippers.
Experiment with different types of tomatoes, including canned diced tomatoes.
Legumes such black beans, white beans or garbanzo beans can be mashed with traditional ingredients. Edamame Guacamole opens in a new tab is made with edamame and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Adding jalapeños, serranos or any chile pepper is great but not necessary if spicy foods are not your thing. Sometimes, just a pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of ground cumin or coriander is all you need.
Chopped colorful bell peppers are a good addition, or stuff guacamole into half a seeded bell pepper for a fun salad or side dish.
Green peas can be mashed with avocado like in this recipe for Green Pea Guacamole opens in a new tab.
Guacamole Anytime
Although there is nothing wrong with keeping it simple and serving guacamole with chips and dippers, here are some of my other favorite ways to enjoy it:
In or on top of quesadillas like Steak and Guacamole Quesadillas opens in a new tab, tacos like these Baked Chicken Taquitos opens in a new tab, and enchiladas like Tomatillo Turkey Enchiladas opens in a new tab
On sandwiches and burgers; it makes a great spread in place of mayonnaise
Garnish omelets, frittatas and scrambled egg
Dollop over chili, stew or soup
With grilled tofu, tempeh, steak, chicken, fish or chops; serve it with Skillet Skirt Steak Fajitas with Jicama Salsa opens in a new tab)
If you’re in a time-crunch, pick up freshly made guacamole from your local Whole Foods Market. Like all the products we sell, it meets our strict Quality Standards opens in a new tab, meaning it is free of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.
Do you have a favorite guacamole recipe or special add-ins? I’d love to know.
