Guacamole is my go-to favorite for summer parties and outings. It’s a refreshing summer classic, makes a great snack, appetizer or side, and people tend to love it–at least I never have any left to bring home.
The best part is the recipe. It always changes, but I have a secret method that makes it both easy and a grand slam, every time.
This is one of the few instances where I take shortcuts in the kitchen. There are three things that make this guacamole work:
1) Avocados, of course. I dare you to make guacamole without them. (But don’t. It would be weird.)
2) A half a packet of guacamole mix from the grocery store. The brand does not seem to matter, from my experience.
3) Any of the other traditional guacamole ingredients you happen to have on hand–see the list below.
Mash up your avocados with the powdered mix using a fork, then stir in your chopped veggies of choice. Using a half a packet of the powdered mix adds the depth of flavor I love about guacamole, which I have never been able to replicate with veggies and spices alone. But adding a few other ingredients beyond the packet mix, even just two or three, gives the guacamole that homemade flavor that makes people beg for your recipe while shoveling guacamole into their mouths with chips (it’s very cute).
I must confess, this tastes so good and is such a quick and easy favorite that I have very little desire to find a homemade replacement for the guac mix (although if you know me and my blog, you could accurately argue that’s out of character.) I just love how simple this hybrid recipe is–the packet mix covers all your bases so you can add in whatever other ingredients that you have in your fridge, or that you like particularly well. Plus you can stretch a packet to use in two recipes, so we’re being frugal. **Pats self on back**
Cheater’s Guacamole Recipe
Mix a half a packet of guacamole mix with 2-3 avocados using a fork.
Stir in any or all of the following ingredients (chopped), depending on your taste and what’s in your kitchen: onions, tomatoes, cilantro, peppers or chilies for heat (jalapeno or serranos work well, or you could use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes), cumin and/or garlic.
Stir in the juice of half a lime at the end (lemon juice will also work in a pinch)–the acid will help keep the avocado from browning. You can also leave one of the avocado pits in the bowl with the guacamole; this also helps it stay fresh and green for longer.
Hope you enjoy the recipe! What’s your favorite cheater/shortcut recipe?
