Easy, Authentic Guacamole !!

I sometimes make "loaded" guacamole - with tomatoes, onion, chiles, and such added to the basic ingredients. But nothing compares to the basics all by themselves. Five ingredients - avocado, garlic, cilantro, lime, and salt - come together for an authentic, old-style dish.

Tip: Make the guacamole just before serving. Oxidation occurs rapidly in the avocado and while it's okay to eat when it turns greenish-brown, the drab color can be a bit off-putting. You may have heard that plastic wrap or even leaving the pit in helps prevent oxidation, but if you've tried those methods, you know the reports of their success have been greatly exaggerated.

Fresh lime juice slows down the process of oxidation, but nothing will stop the color change. Simply prepare the guacamole when everything else is ready to take to the table.

Another tip: If you have time, let the garlic and salt stand in the bowl for 20-30 minutes before mashing them together. This gives the salt time to penetrate the garlic, boosting the flavor and making the garlic easier to turn into a paste.

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• sea salt
• 1 large, ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Preparation

1. Place the garlic cloves and salt in a shallow bowl and mash with a fork until a chunky paste forms.
2. Slice the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into the bowl with the garlic paste and add the cilantro and lime juice.
3. Smash gently, just enough to incorporate the ingredients, not to make it smooth. (Real guacamole isn't creamy.)

For more recipes and cooking tips from Pamela Steed Hill, check out The Briny Lemon.

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