10 Ways to Up Your Guacamole Game
This Sunday, Americans are expected to consume 104 million pounds of avocados. Here are 10 delicious ways to make guacamole, from traditional to deliciously inauthentic.
1. Traditional. Guacamole is fairly minimalist by nature, but if you're going the standard route, you still have one major choice: with tomatoes or without?
2. Smoky. Grill or broil some of the ingredients to add a smoky flavor. Or maybe add some bacon. Or try the lazier way: Spike the guac with chipotle chile hot sauce.
3. Cheesy. Make a guacamole-nachos mash-up and top your dip with melted cheese.
4. Fruity. Adding mango to guacamole is hardly traditional but it's a ubiquitous twist at restaurants. For an even chunkier mango-avocado guac, add crisp jicama. Add oranges and pineapple for a sweet and juicy dip. Or top with pomegranate seeds for an antioxidant boost.
5. Crunchy. Usually chips provide enough crunch, but not for chef Alex Stupak. If you're a texture freak, try his version with pistachios or add some roasted corn.
6. Creamy. To make your guacamole luscious and smooth, add some mayo. Bonus: Your dip doubles as a sandwich spread.
7. Boozy. For a margarita-inspired dip, spike guacamole with a little tequila or mezcal.
8. Extra-tangy. Mix in finely chopped pickled jalapeños for an extra boost of heat and acidity. Or blend in a tomatillo puree.
9. Extra-spicy. Use not just one but three kinds of chiles. And why not try more?
10. Asian-inflected. Add soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds for some umami. Lace the dip with warm spices by mixing in curry-fried onions. Or go crazy and blend in some kimchi.
Kristin Donnelly is a former Food & Wine editor and cofounder of Stewart & Claire, an all-natural line of lip balms made in Brooklyn.
