Guacamole

I happened to buy an avocado the other day. They were probably on special 😉 It had been sitting around for a good three days and was just about ready to walk out under its own steam. At that point there’s only one thing for it: guacamole.

This recipe belongs in a primitive kitchen for at least two reasons.

First, if you were really determined, you could probably make this green, slightly bland Mexican sauce with your bare hands. They’d have to be pretty nimble hands (especially to get the avocado “undressed”), but yes, they’d do. Of course, I gave myself a helping hand with a fork.

There’s a much more important reason, though. Today Poland are playing in the volleyball world championship semi-final. Yes, the one with the scrambled TV coverage. Admittedly they’re not playing Mexico, so eating guacamole won’t help you “devour” the opposition for them. Still, as we all know, you can’t cheer your team on properly without a beer. Hold it. Without nachos and guacamole.

Let’s stick with that. Give it a go!

At a glance: 

Prep time: 7 minutes

Serves: depends how much you like it with nachos

Calories: with nachos? Better not ask-os

What goes into this dip for Mexican snacks:

• 1 ripe avocado
• a piece of green chilli
• half a good-sized shallot
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• salt
• ground black pepper
• a few coriander seeds

How to get that unmistakable flavour:

Know the trick to peeling an avocado, or rather getting into one? Cut lengthways all the way round and give the halves a gentle twist. One comes away and the other still holds the stone. Tap the knife lightly into the soft stone and twist. That gets the stone out in no time.

I scooped the flesh out with a spoon and put it in a small bowl. I added two tablespoons of lime juice and mashed it with a fork. In went the finely chopped shallot, chilli and garlic clove. I seasoned it with a pinch of salt, ground black pepper and a few coriander seeds that I crushed between my fingers.

I mashed and mixed it all really thoroughly with the fork. Your guacamole is ready. Now settle down in front of the TV and savour the sight of Poland playing in the volleyball world championship. A portion of nachos and some mild guacamole are compulsory, of course. Enjoy!