A Foolproof Guide to Delicious Homemade Guacamole

Every master once started by learning the basics. It’s “Chopsticks” before tickling the ivories in front of a packed concert hall, training wheels before winning a cyclingracein the Alps, and 3-step homemade guacamole before whatever Avocados from Mexicomasterpiece you’re destined to create.

Your guide to guac involves just three simple steps.

Step 1: Picking

Get those avocados. You’re ideally looking for two ripe Hass avocados, dark and bumpy-skinned, that give a little when gently squeezed.

Step 2: Planning

Determine your ingredients and ratios. Every guacamole recipe is unique, so there are no hard and fast rules here — but the guidelines below are an excellent place to start.

You’ll want to gather:

• Two Hass avocados, halved and pitted
• Half a medium onion, diced. Yellow or white onions are most common, but red onion can add a festive air.
• One small, ripe tomato, chopped.
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional), chopped.
• One small lime. Your guac needs the tangy boost that contrasts the creamy goodness of ripe avocados. Half a fresh-squeezed lime is good, but a whole lime can do wonders too.
• Salt and fresh-ground pepper to taste.
• Spice fiend in the house? Keep them happy by finely dicing some fresh jalapeño to toss in.

Step 3: Prepping

The perfect consistency is a matter of preference. Like peanut butter, guacamole tastes great creamy or chunky — it depends only on the person and their mood.

If you prefer chunky, dice up the avocado and give it a few easy presses with the flat side of a fork. If creamy is your choice, hang on to that fork and keep mashing until it suits your taste. You can also use a small whisk or food processor if you need to get your homemade guac super smooth.

Bonus Step: Preserving

Though probably not necessary if you called all your friends, in the event you need to store leftover guacamole, cover it with a thin layer of water or milk, then plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge. Your guac will remain fresh and green. When you’re ready to finish it, tip off the liquid and grab the chips.

Once you’ve got this down, it’s on you to add your own personal touches. Go for spicy, smoky, fresh, or something unexpected — your homemade guacamole is a blank canvas for creative cooking.

Looking for inspiration? Browse dozens of delicious guacamole recipes here.