Guacaracha

By gingerroot • January 16, 2011 • 6 Comments

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Author Notes: I first used sriracha in my guacamole when half way through making it, I realized I had no fresh jalapeno. It was so good, adding a bright tangy heat, that I have never made it any other way since. I also think that mashing the onions, cilantro and sriracha before adding any other ingredients allows the flavors to come together for a balanced dip that always elicits happy eating noises. For better or worse, my husband has been known to make a meal of this – it’s a good thing avocados are heart healthy. In addition to chips, this is also good with migas, chilaquiles and steak tacos. - gingerroot

Makes about 2 cups

1/3 cup cup of sweet onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro stems
1 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (either purchased or homemade) + ½ teaspoon to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 ripe but mostly firm (yields to just a bit of pressure) Hass avocados
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons Meyer lemon juice + 1 teaspoon to taste
1/3 cup rough chopped cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes

In a large bowl, add onion, cilantro stems and 1 ½ teaspoon of sriracha. Thoroughly mash mixture with the flat underside of a fork (so the mixture is smooshed under the tines). Add cumin and mash again.
Halve avocados lengthwise around pit, and twist to open. Remove pits by carefully scooping out with a spoon, or tapping pit with a knife and twisting. Divide ¼-teaspoon sea salt among the four halves by evenly sprinkling a generous pinch on each piece. Divide and drizzle 2 teaspoons of lemon juice equally onto the four pieces. Score flesh and scoop out flesh with a spoon. Transfer to bowl with onion mixture.
Add cilantro leaves to bowl. Using a spoon, begin to fold and mash avocado flesh, while at the same time combining with onion mixture and cilantro leaves. I like my guacaracha somewhere between smooth and chunky, which generally takes a few turns of the bowl with a spoon.
Fold in lime juice and taste mixture. If you want more heat, add ½ teaspoon more sriracha. If you want more citrus, add 1 teaspoon more lemon juice. Fold in chopped tomatoes. Serve immediately with chips and watch it disappear!