Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic of Mexican cuisine, but I will also suggest a small Italian twist to make it a bit more local. Here is the traditional recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 ripe tomato, seeds removed and diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper (or another spicy green pepper), finely chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash the avocado with a fork until you reach the desired consistency, which can be smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
3. Add the chopped onion, diced tomato, finely chopped pepper, and mix everything together.
4. Pour in the lime juice and mix well: this will help maintain the green color of the avocado and add acidity to the salsa.
5. Lastly, add the chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper, and stir until you have a homogeneous mixture.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime if necessary.

For an Italian variation, you could replace the cilantro with chopped fresh basil and add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to give it an Italian flavor twist. Additionally, instead of jalapeño, you could use a small amount of fresh or dried red chili, pickled peppers, or a small piece of ‘nduja for a more Calabrian touch.

Curiosity

Guacamole is an ancient dish, dating back to the time of the Aztecs. “Guacamole” comes from the Aztec word “ahuacamolli,” which means “avocado sauce.” Traditionally, guacamole is prepared in a stone mortar called “molcajete”.