Guacamole

with Options

I like to say, “An avocado a day keeps the doctor away.” And I believe it! I can extol the virtues of this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) nonstop, but here I’ll just promote its most delicious delivery method: guacamole. In less than 5 minutes, you can have the ultimate raw snack, filled with “good” fats, potassium, folates, and fiber. I love how versatile guacamole is. With a few tweaks, you can take the flavors in a million directions. I have a bullet-style blender that makes quick work of this guacamole, but you can also hand-chop the ingredients—and you’ll have one fewer appliance to wash. Once the guac is blended, add one—or several—of the healthy mix-ins below, if you like.

Makes 3 cups

For the guacamole

• 1 small shallot, peeled
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
• 2 large, ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
• ½ medium ripe tomato
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• Juice of 1 lime, plus more to taste

For the healthy mix-ins (optional)

• ½ cup chopped tomato
• 2 tablespoons pepitas, soaked and dehydrated
• 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup finely chopped pineapple or mango, plus 1 tablespoon seeded, minced jalapeño

Make the guacamole: In a food processor, a narrow-bottomed blender, or a bullet-style blender, pulse the shallot and garlic until finely chopped. Add the cilantro and pulse until finely chopped. Add the avocados, tomato, cumin, salt, pepper and lime juice and pulse until creamy but not totally smooth. Season with additional lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Stir in one or more of the healthy mix-ins, if desired. Serve immediately.