Guacamole

Directions

1. 1
   Put the onion in a mound in the center of your cutting board.
2. 2
   Top it with the jalapeno and then the cilantro.
3. 3
   Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the salt on the vegetables.
4. 4
   Using your chefs knife, chop and crush the vegetables until they are very finely chopped.
5. 5
   The salt will cause some of the moisture to be drawn out from the vegetables, which will help to blend their flavors.
6. 6
   Transfer the vegetables to a large, shallow bowl.
7. 7
   Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the seed.
8. 8
   Using a spoon, scoop out all of the flesh and place it in the bowl with the vegetables.
9. 9
   A mortar or tart tamper is a great tool for this next step.
10. 10
    If you dont have either, a dinner fork will do just fine.
11. 11
    Mash the avocado until you achieve the consistency you want.
12. 12
    This part is entirely up to you.
13. 13
    There are some people who like their guacamole chunky, while others prefer it smooth.
14. 14
    I like is somewhere in the middle, where I can still see some chunks of avocado but most of it is well blended.
15. 15
    Add the tomato, lime juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to the guacamole and combine well.
16. 16
    Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
17. 17
    Garnish with a few sprigs of cilantro.
18. 18
    VARIATIONS
19. 19
    There are as many versions of guacamole as there are guacamole eaters.
20. 20
    This is a classic rendition, which you can leave as is or use as a base for creating your own.
21. 21
    Try adding more tomato or substituting a red onion for the white one.
22. 22
    Its really up to you.
23. 23
    ADVANCE PREPARATION
24. 24
    Although there are a number of techniques claiming to slow down the browning reaction avocados undergo, I never seem to have much luck with them.
25. 25
    This is one of those recipes where you just have to make it soon before eating.
26. 26
    It can sit for 1 hour if you place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole.