Super (Bowl) Snack- Guacamole
/John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Jason Elam...oh, and Brett Favre.
Those are the names from the only Super Bowl I remember watching the very seriously. Super Bowl XXXII, Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers. It was 1998 and I lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the time. And while many Wyomingites (?) are Broncos fans, we had a good population of Packers fans as well.
I watched the game with my church youth group. It was intense. The Broncos won, and we celebrated. Well, most of us.
The only super bowl game since then I’ve ever been that serious about was my super bowl snack game.
Hey, this girl won’t lie to you. While I don’t switch my support from team to team, the amount I actually pay attention to professional sports can be measured by the people I have in my life at the time. I’ve gone through phases where I’ve know most of the players on the team to phases where I have no idea where my team is in the standings.
And I’m okay with that.
What I’m not okay with is bringing a sub-par dish to a party. Which is one of the reasons why I’m consistently surprised that the thing I’m asked to make the most is my guacamole.
It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing to share the recipe. Seriously. But, since it is requested so often, I decided I should let you in on the magic of this simple gem of a recipe.
(RIDICULOUSLY) Easy Homemade Guacamole
Avocado*
Chunky Salsa* (I use the Simply Nature Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa, Hot from Aldi) Lime Juice* (fresh is best if possible)
Salt*
Pepper*
Garlic or garlic salt (optional, if you are using garlic salt you won’t need as much, or any salt)
Cherry or grape Tomatoes, halved or quartered (highly recommended)
Onion, diced (recommended)
*These ingredients are non-negotiable. You need them. Period. The other ingredients are recommended, but you can make the guac without them.
Mash avocado with fork or potato masher. The texture is up to you. I don’t like mine super smooth, but if you do- you can always use a food processor or immersion blender. I personally prefer my guacamole just a bit chunky.
Add Salsa, attempting to add as little of the salsa “liquid” as possible.
Add lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional) to taste. I like a LOT of lime in my guac, but that’s me. However, a lot of lime isn’t a bad thing because your guacamole won’t brown quite as quick if there’s a higher proportion of lime. I’m not saying it won’t brown, I’m saying the lime will help slow the process down.
Add cherry tomato pieces and diced onion to desired consistency.
Serve with veggies, tortilla chips, or use to top your favorite dishes!
It’s really that easy. Yes, I realize that I did not give you any amounts for any of the ingredients. Sorry about that. I find that most of the ingredients are “to taste” anyway. And since everyone has different preferences, I just gave you the basics instead of exact amounts.
I works though, seriously. Trust me.
When it comes to the ingredients, I often use garlic salt and pepper. If I think it needs a bit more salt, I’ll then add in some Himalayan salt to taste (see, there I go again. To taste). I’ve tried other salsas, but the Aldi salsa is the best, hands down. Even though it’s labeled “hot,” it’s not nearly as spicy as you expect. But if you’re nervous, go for the medium. The salsa has good texture and flavor on it’s own, and by keeping most of the liquid out of your guacamole, it looks like you spent a LOT more time on your dish than you actually did. The tomatoes and onions aren’t necessary, but if you have the time, at least put in the tomatoes. Seriously. I’ve had more comments and compliments on those tomato halves and quarters than I can remember. There’s something about the unexpected burst of flavor that takes the entire dish (dip?) up a notch.
I love serving this guac with bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Though, tortilla chips are always a good option (the Blue Corn Tortilla Chips from Trader Joe’s are our favorite). Just keep in mind, if you’re serving with tortilla chips, most chips are salted, so you may want to use less salt when serving with chips than you do if you’re serving with veggies.
So there you go. Super easy no-fail guacamole. It’s so easy, your husband can do it while you yell the directions at him from the other room while you’re getting ready (I’m not saying this has happened before… I’m just saying… well, yeah).
And if you’re looking for healthy(er) options for Super Bowl LIV this weekend, check out the bonus resources for some of my other favorite game day snacks! Because let’s be honest, no matter who you’re rooting for as long as the snacks win, everyone wins ;)
BONUS RESOURCES
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
(A Little Lighter) Layered Mexican Dip
Homemade Pico de Gallo
Taco Salad Bar
