Classic Guacamole

It’s a classic for all the right reasons and when it’s done right there won’t be a smear left in the bowl! What makes the classic phenomenal? The ingredients. Fresh is always best but it can be hard to pick the perfect produce. How do you know when an avocado is ripe enough for today or for a dish you plan to make over the weekend; look and feel. When the avocado is darker, more purple in color, it is riper. Next is the feel. Be nice and don’t squish all around the mid-section, that leads to bruising, just lightly touch the top of the fruit by the stem. Ripeness can be determined by comparing to the feel of your hand: Thumb – over ripe; middle finger – perfect today; pinky – best in a day or two.  Now that you have picked the best avocados, gather the rest of your fresh ingredients and let’s get started.

Ingredients

3                Medium Mashable – Soft Avocados

1 to 2 Tbs Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 Cup     Finely Chopped Onion (less than a quarter inch pieces)

2/3 Cup     Chopped Tomatoes (a little larger than ¼ inch pieces)

2                Cloves Garlic, Pressed or Finely Grated

2 Tbs          Very Fine Chopped Fresh Jalapeno

4 Tbs          Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Salt to Taste

 Preparation

1.      Remove the little “button” at the stem end of each avocado. Cut around the pits, starting at the stem end, continuing to the blossom end, then coming back up to the steam end again. Twist the two halves apart, then remove the pits (either with a spoon or by wedging the knife blade into the pit and twisting to dislodge it). With a large spoon, scoop the flesh from the skin into a bowl. With a potato masher, a large fork, or the back of a large spoon, roughly mash the avocado.

2.      Season with salt and lime juice: start with a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of lime, gently stir them in, then taste and continue adding salt and lime until desired taste.

3.      Scoop the chopped onion into a strainer and rinse under cold water. Shake off the excess water, then add to the bowl, along with the tomato, jalapeno, and cilantro. Stir everything gently together, then taste and add more until you achieve your desired flavor.

4.      Scoop your guacamole into a bowl, garnish it with additional cilantro and serve it as a condiment for tacos, with tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables as a dip.

Was it phenomenal? Did you use it with chips, or did you top your burger for an extra kick? Don’t forget to share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Emailed or tagged photos could be featured on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages!

The Culinary Team at Four Winds Casinos is dedicated to the art of preparing and serving delectable dishes. We enjoy sharing recipes with our guests and fans because we know you love Copper Rock Steakhouse, Kankakee Grille, Timbers, and White Birch Market.