Monday, August 27, 2012

Holy Guacamole!


The guacamole’s popularity has reached a worldwide degree that people are demanding it too much.  Guacamole is a Mexican dip which is made up primarily of tasty ripe avocados pounded with a molcajete, in English, a mortar and pestle.  Some recipe calls for tomatoes, chipotle, onion, lime juice, yogurt, and other seasonings.  This Mexican cuisine is popularly known to be a delicious dip for tortillas and other chips; this could also a good side dish during meal.  Mexican cuisines are famous for their bright colors because they love spices and seasonings mixed in their food; just like the guacamole and its brilliant yellow green color combined with a tangerine hue for tomatoes. With just one glance at the guacamole, your stomach would surely grumble and hunger would stir your insides. 



Guacamole’s beginning isn’t as grand and as popular as it is now.  It started in a civilization and later on found by invaders, brought to their homelands, and was spread throughout the world. Learn all of guacamole’s history and discover the most delicious guacamole recipe in the planet!


The Aztecs Started it All


The great Aztec civilization was much more organized and modernized than any other civilization way back to the 16th century.  They had their own traditions, practices, laws, clothing, and even foods.  One of their original foods was the guacamole. It was then called ahuaca-mulli which means ‘avocado mixture’ or ‘avocado sauce’; usually the local citizens were the ones making this guacamole dish.  

As Spanish conquerors encountered the Aztec empire, they were amazed by their food, especially the guacamole’s delicious taste.  It wasn’t possible for them to leave the Aztecs without bringing their guacamole recipe and some avocados back home. Unfortunately, as the Spaniards brought the avocados in Spain, they found out that the fruit don’t grow well in their lands as well as their climate.  

Although Spaniards weren't successful in cultivating avocados in their lands, other foreign travelers who also discovered avocados were fortunate enough to plant the fruit's seed perfectly.  Since then, avocados and guacamole became much more famous in the passing of years. Today, guacamole is a very popular dip and people love it so much that they swore they should never run out of guacamole in their kitchen ever. 

Avocado Benefits


Guacamole’s main ingredient and the star of this Mexican cuisine, the avocado, also has its fair share of health benefits.  Although avocados got a bad reputation for containing the highest number of fats among all other fruits, but these fats aren’t harmful at all.They can in fact provide you with enough energy for a tiring day ahead. 
Researchers found out that avocados contain antioxidants that fight off cancer and hinders cancer cell growth. The fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties such as polyphenols and flavonoids, these substances are also potent antioxidants which help our cells to function normally and healthily. Avocados have been proven to be good for the heart, can regulate normal blood pressure among adults, beneficial for the eyes because of its lutein content, and prevent birth defects among pregnant women. 


The Guacamole Recipe


Here is an easy and very, very delicious guacamole recipe from the Aztecs themselves.  The only secret in preparing the perfect guacamole dip is its avocados; they should be really, really ripe but make sure these are still palatable.  This guacamole recipe has delightful spices and seasonings which add to the exotic flavors blended together with perfect harmony.  Just prepare all the listed ingredients below, make sure your avocados are ripe enough, follow the directions or you can make some adjustments, and you are good to go.



Ingredients:
  • 3 medium avocados (pitted, peeled, mashed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • OPTIONAL: 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

Directions
  1. Prepare a medium-sized mixing bowl.  Toss in slightly mashed avocados, salt, and lime juice; mash thoroughly and make sure the ingredients blended well.
  2. Add in spices such as onions, tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro. Gradually combine until dispersed evenly in the mixture.
  3. Lastly, stir in cayenne pepper; continue mixing.
  4. Cover bowl with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors blend perfectly.
  5. Serve with tortillas and enjoy!

Fruity Guacamole Recipe


If you’re sick and tired of the regular guacamole, well, that is not a problem. Here’s a unique and creative recipe for you to try. This is perfect to be dished up for special occasions including Yuletide season, Thanksgiving or even for the National Guacamole Day, September 16!  

The recipe ends up into a fruity guacamole which is made up of fleshy sweet mangoes, vibrant red pomegranate seeds, bright green cilantro and of course, our ultimate favorite, avocados! The combination is amazing. I swear, you’ll forget your name once you’ve tasted it! This is an extraordinary guacamole indeed which is obviously very nutritious too.

This recipe can be completed in just 15 minutes (chilling time not included)

Ingredients:
  •   4 ripe avocados (2 pounds total)
  •  1 cup finely chopped white onion
  •  2 fresh serrano chilies, finely chopped (2 tablespoons), including seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, or to taste
  •  3/4 cup pomegranate seeds (from 1 pomegranate)
  •   3/4 cup diced peeled mango
  •   1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Procedure:

Cut avocados into halves, remove seed and then peel. With a fork or a potato masher, roughly mash avocados in a big bowl. Add onion, chilies, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. 

Stir well to combine and then stir in pomegranate seeds, mango, and cilantro. Sprinkle with salt and extra lime juice. Mix guacamole until smooth and even.  Serve with plantain or tortilla chips.

For best results, cover the surface of the bowl containing the guacamole with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Chill inside the fridge for 4 hours. Take out from fridge and cool to room temperature. Give a quick stir and then serve!

With the freshness and great flavors of the ingredients, I’m quite sure this guacamole is going to be a big hit to any guest you’ll have at home. It’s hard not to crave for more of it. In fact, this recipe is already proven and tested with several people commenting positively and rating it as almost perfect!