There are many varieties of avocados, and all may be used, but the Hass avocado is the ideal choice. The flesh has a rich, nutty, and herby taste. It is a good keeper, it peels easily, and the pit is easily removed. An avocado is ripe when it yields to the gentle pressure of your thumb.

　　

Ingredients

4 servings

　　2 ripe avocados

　　1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

　　2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

　　Salt

　　

Step 1

Cut in half and remove pits from: 2 ripe avocados.

　　

Step 2

Scoop the flesh out of the skins with a spoon into a mortar and mash it roughly with a pestle. Stir in: 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, Salt.

　　

Step 3

Taste and add more salt and lime juice as needed.

　　

Variation

Step 4

For a spicy guacamole, add a jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and finely diced.

　　The Art of Simple Food