Guacamole

Zesty Citrus Guacamole with Roasted Garlic

This unique guacamole recipe combines the classic creamy avocado base with a tangy citrus twist and the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic. The result is a delightful dip that’s perfect for gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1 whole head of garlic
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let it cool.
  3. While the garlic is roasting, prepare the other ingredients. Finely dice the red onion, chop the jalapeño and cilantro, and zest and juice the orange and lime.
  4. Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and mash with a fork.
  5. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
  6. Add the mashed roasted garlic, orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper to the avocados.
  7. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the ingredients together until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer a chunkier guacamole, while others like it smooth.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt, lime juice, or spices according to your preference.
  9. Cover the guacamole with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent browning, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  10. Serve chilled with your favorite chips or vegetable sticks.

Things to avoid:

  1. Don’t use overripe avocados, as they can make the guacamole too mushy and may have an off flavor.
  2. Avoid letting the guacamole sit at room temperature for extended periods, as it can spoil quickly.
  3. Don’t add tomatoes to this recipe, as they can make the guacamole watery and overpower the citrus flavors.
  4. Be careful not to over-mash the avocados if you prefer a chunkier texture.
  5. Don’t skip the resting time in the refrigerator, as this allows the flavors to develop fully.

Alternative ingredients:

  • If you can’t find ripe avocados, you can use frozen avocado chunks, thawed and drained.
  • For a milder flavor, substitute the jalapeño with a poblano pepper or omit it entirely.
  • If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley instead.
  • For a different citrus twist, try using grapefruit or tangerine instead of orange.
  • If you’re allergic to garlic or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or omit it altogether.

Topping recommendations:

  • Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Diced mango or pineapple for an extra tropical touch
  • A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for added depth

This zesty citrus guacamole with roasted garlic is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a special snack. The combination of creamy avocado, tangy citrus, and mellow roasted garlic creates a complex flavor profile that will keep your taste buds intrigued. Enjoy!