Guacamole Galore

Classic guacamole made with perfectly ripe avocados is pretty much a perfect dish just the way it is, but if you don’t have avocados, you can make it with other veggies too. Here is our basic guacamole recipe plus two alternatives to try.

Classic Guacamole

2 ripe avocados
1 lime or lemon, juiced
¼ cup minced cilantro
1 small clove garlic, minced
salt, to taste
optional: minced red onion, minced jalapeno pepper

Halve avocadoes and remove pit and with a spoon. Scoop out avocado flesh into a bowl and mash coarsely with a fork. Add the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt and any optional ingredients. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.

Pea Guacamole

2 lbs green peas, frozen, thawed
3 tablespoons chopped onion
1  clove garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup lemon  juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Optional: 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, minced
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped cilantro

1. Combine the peas, cumin, onion, garlic, and jalapeno, if using, in the container of a food processor and process until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice and olive oil, salt and pepper and process again.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Broccomole

2 cups chopped broccoli, boiled or steamed until soft, cooled
¼ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
3 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon chili powder
salt, to taste

In a food processor combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Serve with veggies or tortilla chips.