How to Make Guacamole

Guacamole stands out as a quick appetizer or a tasty garnish. Follow these easy steps and be amazed by how a few simple ingredients win outstanding compliments from your family and friends.

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No dip could be simpler than guacamole -- all it takes is avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, seasonings, and a bit of mashing. Whether you make it chunky or smooth, mild or spicy, this Mexican specialty makes a gorgeous green accompaniment for everything from corn chips to any Latin-inspired dishes your family favors. Try this traditional recipe from Better Homes and Gardens now -- then, for your next Mexican meal, sample the yummy variations that follow.

Rely on these tips and tricks to make the most of your guacamole:

Choose fully ripe avocados by using the squeeze test. Hold the fruit in your palm and give it a gentle squeeze. If it is ripe, it will feel soft and yield to pressure.
To ripen an avocado quickly, place it in a paper bag along with an apple for a day or two.
To keep guacamole from darkening, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, smoothing out air bubbles.
To reduce the fat in guacamole, replace up to one-half of the avocado with an equal amount of pureed white beans.

Chunky Guacamole

Servings: Makes 2 cups
Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hr 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 of a small red onion, finely chopped
1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 ripe avocados, seeded, peeled, and coarsely mashed
Tortilla chips

Directions

In a medium bowl combine tomatoes, red onion, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently stir in avocados.
Cover the surface of the guacamole with plastic wrap. Chill for up to 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 48, Total Fat 5 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat 3 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 39 mg, Carbohydrate 3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 7%, Calcium 0%, Iron 2%. Exchanges: Fat 1. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Here are 19 more of the Web's best recipes for making guacamole.