The Seasonal Gourmet

This week I’m going to demonstrate how to pit an avocado.  Avocados make a great accompaniment to Mexican and Latin inspired dishes which are perfect for summer meals.  I also enjoy sliced avocado in salads or sandwiches.  As a bonus, I have included a recipe for guacamole.  Pour yourself a margarita, whip up some guacamole and enjoy with your favourite corn chips!

How to Remove an Avocado Pit

1. Slice avocado lengthwise all the way around, cutting through to the pit

2. Twist the two halves and gently pull apart

3. Using a very sharp, large knife, carefully sink blade into the pit (you can also pry the pit out with a spoon)

4. Twist knife and pull pit out

5. Et voila - you are now ready to scoop out the avocado flesh or cut it into a dice

Guacamole is traditionally made in a molcajete – a large stone bowl with a stone masher that looks like a mortar and pestle set.  However, it is certainly not nessecary to make decent guacamole and you can easily make it in a bowl by mashing the avocado with a fork.  Haas avocados are the most readily available variety. Look for ones that are very dark green (almost black) and soft to the touch so they mash easily.

Guacamole

 Makes about 1 cup – can easily be doubled

(VEGETARIAN)

• 1 very ripe Haas avocado, pitted (see above)
• 1 Tablespoon finely diced onion
• 1/3 cup diced tomato (about 1 small tomato)
• 1/4 hot sauce such as Tabasco (or more, to taste)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 garlic clove, finely minced – optional (purists would probably not use garlic but I like it)
• Optional: you can add a bit of chopped fresh cilantro but I usually leave it out because a lot of people dislike the flavour of cilantro!

1. Pit avocado as detailed above.  Spoon the flesh out of each half into a medium sized bowl.
2. Lightly mash the avocado with a fork.  Add remaining ingredients and continue to mash the mixture until everything is combined and it is the desired consistency (some people like it very smooth while others prefer it a bit chunky).  
3. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve with your favourite dishes.

Bon Appetit and Enjoy!

Guacamole, served in a molcajete