Introduction: Quick and Easy Guacamole

In this instructable, I will explain how to make guacamole easily and quickly. It should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. There are only 7 ingredients needed to make this wonderful dip that goes well with soda and margaritas. It is also a good party-favorite. If you need to make something quick for a pot luck or party, this is a good choice.

Guacamole is a healthy snack. Because it is made of fruits, it is a delicious way to get a full serving of fruit. Also, it is low in cholesterol.

The avocados in guacamole are beneficial as a natural moisturizor for your skin, nails, and hair.

Step 1: Items You Will Need

Ingredients:
• 2 avocados
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can green chilies (4.5 oz)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• salt
• ½ white onion
• 1 garlic clove

When choosing the avocados at the grocery store, it is important to make sure to get ripe avocados. To determine if the avocado is ripe enough, gently squeeze it. If the avocado is firm, it is not yet ripe. If it squeezes too easily, it is too ripe. A ripe avocado will give some when squeezed.
If you are buying the avocados more than a couple of days before you will be making guacamole, it is okay to buy unripe avocados. Also, if you need to ripen the avocados, place them in a paper bag on your counter. If you need to slow down the ripening process, place them in your refrigerator.

Utensils:
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Tablespoon
• Teaspoon
• Can opener
• Garlic press
• Onion chopper
• Pastry knife or fork
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula

Step 2: The Avocado

To begin, cut one avocado in half, lengthwise.
When the avocado is cut open, remove and discard seed.
If there are any bad parts in the avocado, remove them.
After any brown or discolored parts are removed, put the meat of the avocado in the mixing bowl and discard the skins.
Use either the pastry knife (pictured) or fork to cut/mash the avocado into smaller pieces.
It is easiest if only one avocado is mashed first, so wait to cut the second avocado until the first is well sliced.
Repeat with second avocado.

Step 3: Lemon Juice

Next, add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and mix with avocados using the pastry knife or fork.

Substitution: Other people prefer to use 2 tablespoons of lime juice.

Step 4: Chilies, Tomatoes, and Salt

Open and drain the cans of tomatoes and chilies.
It is important to drain both the tomatoes and the chilies well, or there will be too much juice and the guacamole will not stay well mixed.
Add the tomatoes, chilies, and salt to taste. Usually 1 teaspoon of salt works well.
Mix everything together with spoon or spatula.



Step 5: The Onion

Cut the onion. If you are starting with a whole onion, cut it in half and place the half you are not using in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.
Remove and discard the skin of the onion.
Chop the onion, using the onion chopper. Prior to chopping the half onion, cut it into smaller pieces to aid in chopping.
Place the chopped onion in the mixing bowl.

Substitution: If you prefer to use green onions, chop up a bundle of green onions instead. The bundles that are sold in grocery stores is sufficient for the recipe.
Green onions usually chop best by using a knife instead of the onion chopper.

Step 6: Garlic

Choose a fresh garlic clove. Fresh garlic cloves are somewhat moist.
Remove the skin from the clove and discard the skin.
Place the garlic clove into the garlic presser and press. Not all the garlic will go through the press. What is left on the inside should be discarded.
After adding the garlic to the bowl, mix everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Final Stirring

When the guacamole is well-mixed, cover with plastic wrap or place in a different container with lid.
Put sealed container in the refrigerator to chill.

Serve chilled with chips as a tasty snack, appetizer, or as part of your meal.
Add the guacamole to your favorite Mexican meal as a sauce. Some favorites for me are tacos and enchiladas.
Try guacamole on other favorite dishes, such as grilled pork chops, grilled chicken, or grilled hamburgers.
ENJOY!