This homemade guacamole made with ripe avocados and lime juice gets a tasty kick from cayenne and cilantro. You can serve it smooth or chunky depending on your tastes. Serve with tortilla chips.
Select perfectly ripe avocados; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure. Underripe avocados are hard to mash and lack flavor, while overripe ones can be stringy and brown. Control your mash: for a smoother guacamole, mash thoroughly, but for a chunky texture, leave some larger pieces. The lime juice is crucial not only for its bright flavor but also to slow the oxidation process. To further prevent browning during storage, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole. Finely dicing your onion and mincing garlic ensures an even flavor distribution without overpowering the delicate avocado. Adjust salt and cayenne pepper to your preference; a pinch of cumin can also add a nice layer of depth. Chilling for an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully, though it's also excellent served immediately.