Guacamole is a creamy, flavorful avocado-based dip that originated in Mexico. It's often served as an appetizer with chips or used as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. While traditional guacamole recipes call for just a few simple ingredients like avocado, onion, tomato, lime juice, cilantro, and salt, many modern versions incorporate spices for extra flavor. One popular addition is cumin powder.
Cumin is an earthy, nutty spice that can provide a delicious complexity to guacamole. If you've never tried guacamole made with cumin before, this unique recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Why Add Cumin Powder to Guacamole?
Cumin powder is an ideal seasoning for guacamole for a few reasons:
- It has a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the creamy avocado base.
- It adds a subtle heat that pairs well with spicy ingredients like jalapeño or serrano peppers.
- The nuttiness of cumin complements the richness of the avocado.
- It provides seasoning without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the other ingredients.
- Just a dash of cumin powder goes a long way in guacamole, making it very easy to incorporate.
Many guacamole fanatics find that cumin takes its dip to the next level in terms of complexity and depth of flavor. If you're looking to spice up your usual guacamole recipe, cumin powder is a quick and easy way to do it.
Selecting Ripe Avocados
Making great guacamole starts with choosing the perfect avocados. Look for Hass avocados which have bumpy dark green skin when ripe. They should feel soft but not mushy when gently squeezed. Softness indicates ripeness, while a dent when pressed shows a nice creamy texture inside.
Avoid rock-hard avocados, as they are not ripe yet, and overly mushy ones, as they are overripe. The flesh of a ripe avocado will be bright green, not brown. For the best flavor and texture, let firm avocados ripen at room temperature for a couple of days before using.
Ingredients
To make about 2 cups of guacamole with cumin powder you will need:
- 3 ripe Hass avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup diced white or red onion
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 serrano or jalapeño peppers, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional mix-ins: diced mango, crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, roasted corn, chopped bacon, or chorizo
Directions
Follow these simple steps for easy homemade guacamole with cumin:
Prep the Ingredients
Wash and dry all the produce. Juice the lime. Mince the peppers, garlic, onions, cilantro, and tomatoes. Peel and pit the avocados, then dice the flesh into chunks right in the skins before scooping them out. This helps maintain the bright green color.
Transfer prepped ingredients to individual small bowls or ramekins for easy assembly.
Mash the Avocado
In a large bowl, gently mash the avocado pieces with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks. For a creamier texture, mix in a food processor or blender.
Be careful not to over-mix, which can cause the avocado to become watery or slimy. The guacamole should be a bit chunky.
Mix in Flavorings
Add the onions, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, minced peppers, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir gently until combined but still somewhat chunky.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. For a spicier guacamole, leave the jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For more lime flavor, add extra juice.
Finish and Serve
For best flavor and texture, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, vegetable crudités, or on top of tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more. Garnish with extra cilantro.
Pro Tip: For a fun presentation, serve in avocado shells or a molcajete.
Serving Suggestions
Beyond chips and salsa, try topping these dishes with your fresh cumin guacamole:
- Quesadillas or soft corn tortillas
- Fish or shrimp tacos
- Chicken fajitas or carnitas
- Chili con carne
- Nachos
- Burritos or burrito bowls
- Breakfast tacos or huevos rancheros
- Tostadas
- Salads
- Burgers or sandwiches
With its cool creaminess and zip of flavor from the lime, onion, and cumin, guacamole adds so much to any Mexican-inspired meal. Get creative with how you use it!
Storage
To keep leftover guacamole green and fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and smooth the surface. Pour a thin layer of water over the guacamole and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.
The water helps prevent air from touching the guacamole, which is what causes browning. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cumin change the taste of guacamole?
Yes, cumin adds an earthy, warm, nutty flavor that enhances the avocado and other ingredients. It provides a subtle heat and complexity.
Can I make guacamole without cumin?
Absolutely. Traditional guacamole recipes often contain just avocado, lime juice, onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt. The cumin is optional but highly recommended for extra dimension.
How much cumin do I add to guacamole?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin per 2-3 avocados. You can adjust to taste, but be careful not to overdo it as cumin has a strong flavor.
What's the best way to mash avocados for guacamole?
Gently mash with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture. For a creamier consistency, process in a food processor or blender just until smooth but not overmixed.
Can I prepare guacamole in advance?
Yes, guacamole can be made 1-2 days ahead. Be sure to store it with plastic wrap pressed to the surface and water poured on top to prevent browning.
Conclusion
Homemade guacamole is easy to make and allows you to customize the flavors to your taste. Adding earthy, warm cumin powder provides delicious complexity while still letting the fresh, creamy avocado shine.
For best results, choose perfectly ripe avocados and gently mash them, leaving some chunks. The cumin, tangy lime juice, spicy peppers, and fresh herbs and vegetables create balance and texture.
Adjusting the proportions and mix-ins allows you to make this guacamole recipe your own. Serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips or on top of all your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. Your family and friends are sure to devour this flavorful cumin-spiced guacamole!
Cumin Guacamole
Ingredients
- 3 ripe Hass avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup diced white or red onion
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 serrano peppers, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently mash the diced avocado pieces with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks.
- Add the onions, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, minced peppers, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir gently until combined but still somewhat chunky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. For extra spice, add more minced pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors blend.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, on tacos, in burritos, etc. Garnish with extra cilantro.
- To store, transfer guacamole to an airtight container and pour a thin layer of water directly over the top before sealing. Refrigerate up to 3 days.