EN
ESFRDE

Traditional Guacamole in a Mortar (Molcajete)

The secret to good Mexican guacamole lies in preparing it in a stone mortar (molcajete), first crushing the aromatic ingredients to release their flavors, then adding the avocado without mashing it too much.

Ingredients (4 servings)

– 3 ripe avocados, preferably Hass.
– ¼ white onion.
– 1 serrano or fresh jalapeño chili.
– 1 small handful of fresh cilantro.
– ½ lime.
– Coarse salt to taste.
– 1 small tomato (optional).

Step-by-step preparation

1. Prepare the flavor base

In the mortar, place:
– ½ teaspoon coarse salt.
– The serrano chili cut into small pieces.
– One tablespoon of chopped white onion.
– A few cilantro leaves.

Mash all ingredients well until you get an aromatic paste.

This step is crucial: by mashing the chili, onion, and cilantro, their oils and aromas are released, which then integrate with the avocado.

2. Add the avocado

Open the avocados, remove the pit, and add the pulp to the mortar.

Mash gently with short movements, leaving some chunks whole.

It should be creamy with small pieces of avocado, not a homogeneous purée.

3. Add the fresh ingredients

Add the rest of the finely chopped onion, cilantro, and a few drops of lime.

If you like it with tomato, dice it into small pieces, removing excess seeds.

Mix gently with a spoon.

4. Adjust the flavor

Taste and adjust salt, chili, or lime.

The lime should add freshness, but without overpowering the avocado flavor.

Tips for authentic guacamole

1. Use a volcanic stone molcajete. Its rough surface allows you to mash the ingredients and better extract their aromas.

2. Don’t mash everything at once. First, prepare the chili, onion, cilantro, and salt paste. Then add the avocado.

3. Don’t overdo the lime. Many traditional Mexican recipes use very little or even none. The avocado should be the star.

4. Prepare it just before serving. Freshly made guacamole retains its color, texture, and flavor best.

5. Tomato is optional. If you’re looking for guacamole where the avocado flavor particularly stands out, you can omit it.