Food - Drink
12 Tips That Will Take Your Guacamole To The Next Level
By BRETT LLENOS SMITH
Perfect Ripeness
Avocados give guacamole its defining flavor and texture, so they must be perfectly ripe. Ripe avocados are often found at the bottom of a pile, and you can check by picking off the stem of the fruit: If it's green underneath, the avocado is ripe, but if it's brown, it's overripe and better used in other recipes.
Add More Lime
Even a little lime juice cuts through the fattiness of avocados, but feel free to double or triple the amount listed in your favorite recipe (if you add too much, a dash of sugar will tone down the taste). Avocados turn brown and mushy when they oxidize, and going heavy on lime juice will keep your guacamole green.
Add Enough Salt
Salt brings out the flavors of all your other ingredients, but not if it's used too sparingly to taste it, and the amount of fat in avocado flesh can absorb a lot of seasoning. Add two or three large "chef's pinches" of kosher or sea salt for every four avocados in your guacamole recipe for the right amount of salinity.
Cover With Water
To prevent your dip from browning, cover your guac with a thin layer of water to act as a barrier against oxidation, then cover it with plastic wrap (the guacamole won't get watery, as it's mostly fat and vegetables that don't absorb water). Before serving, just pour off the water and stir in any residual drops.
Garlic Zing
While it's not found in most "authentic" recipes, garlic elevates the flavors of your guacamole. In addition to being a great pairing with avocado, garlic also goes well with other common guacamole ingredients like onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and even tomato, making it a great way to add extra flavor.