Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole is a delightful twist on the classic dip, combining fresh, vibrant flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect balance of creaminess, tanginess, and a hint of heat, making it an irresistible addition to your snacks or meals.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole

Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole is his take on the beloved Mexican avocado dip, crafted with a blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients that deliver a punch of taste. It emphasizes the use of ripe avocados, zesty lime, and fresh herbs, all elevated with a touch of chili for a little kick. This version steers clear of overly complicated ingredients, ensuring that the natural richness of the avocados shines through.

Unlike traditional recipes that may focus heavily on tomatoes or onions, Jamie’s recipe keeps the focus on the avocado’s creamy texture, while the lime juice and chili add just the right amount of zing. The inclusion of cilantro adds an herbal freshness, making it a wonderfully balanced guacamole that’s perfect for chips, tacos, or even as a topping for grilled meats.

Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole, you will need:

• Ripe Avocados (2) – The key ingredient for that creamy texture. Look for avocados that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t overly soft.
• Lime (1) – For a refreshing citrusy kick and to help prevent the guacamole from browning.
• Fresh Chili (1) – Jamie often uses red or green chili for a touch of heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Fresh Cilantro (small handful) – Adds a refreshing, aromatic element to the dip.
• Red Onion (1 small) – Finely diced, it provides a sharp bite and color contrast.
• Sea Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and brings the guacamole together.
• Olive Oil (optional) – A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds smoothness and richness.

Optional: You may also choose to add chopped tomatoes or a sprinkle of cumin for a more traditional or slightly different flavor profile.

Equipment Needed

The equipment for making Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole is minimal and straightforward:

• Sharp Knife – For slicing the avocado, onion, chili, and herbs.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface to prep all your ingredients.
• Spoon – For scooping out the avocado flesh.
• Small Bowl – To combine all of the ingredients.
• Fork or Potato Masher – To mash the avocado to your desired consistency. A fork works fine for a chunky guacamole, while a masher gives a smoother texture.
• Citrus Juicer (optional) – To extract the juice from the lime without seeds.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole?

Making Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole is incredibly simple and takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon into your bowl.
   • Finely chop the red onion, chili, and cilantro. Be sure to deseed the chili if you want to control the level of heat.
   • Cut the lime in half and have it ready for juicing.

2. Mash The Avocados

   • Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the avocado until you reach your desired consistency-whether chunky or smooth.

3. Add The Flavors

   • Add the finely chopped onion, chili, and cilantro to the mashed avocado.
   • Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of sea salt to taste.

4. Mix And Taste

   • Gently mix all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lime or salt as needed.
   • If you like, drizzle a small amount of olive oil for a bit of extra creaminess.

5. Serve

   • Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.

Expert Tips

• Choose Ripe Avocados: The key to great guacamole is using ripe, creamy avocados. They should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed, but not mushy. If you find yourself with an unripe avocado, you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Depending on your personal taste, you can adjust the amount of chili. If you prefer a milder guacamole, remove the seeds from the chili or use a less spicy variety. Conversely, for a spicier kick, leave the seeds in or add a couple more chilis.
• Prevent Browning: Guacamole can brown quickly due to the oxidation of the avocado. To help prevent this, squeeze an extra lime over the top or cover the guacamole with plastic wrap directly on the surface. You can also store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of water on top to reduce air exposure.
• Add Texture: If you like some extra crunch, you can mix in diced tomatoes or even pomegranate seeds. This adds color and texture without overpowering the flavor.

Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole is a simple yet flavor-packed version of the classic dip that delivers the creamy goodness of avocado combined with fresh, zesty ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a snack, or using it to complement a meal, this guacamole is bound to impress with its bright, fresh flavors and ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a vibrant, crowd-pleasing guacamole that hits all the right notes.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole

Jamie Oliver’s guacamole is a creamy, fresh, and flavorful dip that can be easily personalized based on your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to spice it up, give it a unique twist, or cater to dietary needs:

1. Spicy Guacamole

   • To turn up the heat, add finely chopped fresh chilies (like jalapeños or serranos) to your guacamole. You can also throw in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to boost the spiciness without overwhelming the flavor. Be sure to taste as you go to find the perfect level of heat.

2. Mango Guacamole

   • For a sweet and savory version, add diced ripe mango to your guacamole. The tropical sweetness pairs beautifully with the richness of the avocado and lime. Add a touch of red onion and cilantro for balance and color.

3. Bacon Guacamole

   • If you’re a bacon lover, crumble crispy bacon into the guacamole for an irresistible smoky and savory flavor. The crunchy bits of bacon add texture, and the flavor is absolutely divine. You can also use bacon-flavored salt for an extra punch.

4. Roasted Garlic Guacamole

   • Elevate the flavor of the guacamole by roasting garlic before adding it. Roasting mellows out the sharpness of garlic, giving the guacamole a deep, nutty flavor. Simply roast the garlic cloves in olive oil until golden, mash them, and mix them into your guacamole.

5. Vegan Guacamole With Olive Oil

   • For a plant-based version, substitute sour cream or yogurt (if you’d normally include them) with a dash of extra virgin olive oil. This gives the guacamole a creamy texture while staying completely vegan. Pair with fresh cilantro, lime, and salt for that familiar refreshing taste.

6. Herb-Infused Guacamole

   • Experiment with different herbs beyond cilantro for variety. Try adding fresh parsley, mint, or dill to your guacamole for a refreshing twist. Herbs can brighten the flavor and bring in new layers of freshness, perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic.

7. Chunky Guacamole

   • Some people love their guacamole to be smooth, but if you’re into texture, make it chunky! Mash only a portion of the avocado and leave the rest in larger pieces, so each bite gives a satisfying contrast between creamy and chunky.

8. Lemon And Basil Guacamole

   • For a different citrusy punch, replace lime with lemon juice and add fresh basil leaves. This variation has a fresh, herbaceous flavor, ideal for anyone who enjoys Italian-inspired recipes or prefers a lighter citrus note.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Guacamole, like any avocado-based dish, can oxidize and turn brown quickly once exposed to air. To preserve your leftovers and keep them as fresh as possible, follow these best practices:

1. Use An Airtight Container

   • After preparing your guacamole, transfer it to an airtight container to minimize exposure to air. This helps slow down the oxidation process, which is the main cause of browning.

2. Cover With Plastic Wrap

   • Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to reduce air contact. This creates a barrier and helps keep the guacamole vibrant green for a longer period. Alternatively, you can place a layer of plastic wrap or wax paper directly on top of the guacamole before sealing the container.

3. Add Lime Or Lemon Juice

   • A bit of extra lime or lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps slow down the browning process due to its acidity. Make sure to stir it in well and keep a small amount of juice on top before sealing the container.

4. Pit Preservation Method

   • If you’ve already made the guacamole and have leftovers, placing the avocado pit into the container with the guacamole can help reduce browning. While this doesn’t prevent oxidation entirely, it can slow it down by limiting exposure to air.

5. Refrigeration

   • Always store guacamole in the fridge if you have leftovers. Keeping it cold helps preserve the taste and texture for a longer period. Ideally, guacamole is best consumed within 24 hours of making it, but refrigeration will stretch its shelf life for a few extra hours.

6. Avoid Freezing

   • While it might be tempting to freeze guacamole for longer storage, it’s not recommended. Freezing causes the texture of the avocado to break down and become mushy, which results in a watery and unappetizing dip once thawed.

7. Stir Before Serving

   • When you’re ready to serve the leftover guacamole, give it a quick stir. It may have darkened slightly on the surface, but stirring it will revive the green color and give it a fresher taste.

What Goes Well With Guacamole?

Guacamole is a versatile dip that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your guacamole to make it even more enjoyable:

1. Tortilla Chips

   • A classic and perfect pairing, crispy tortilla chips are ideal for scooping up guacamole. Whether you go for salted or unsalted chips, the combination of crunch and creamy guacamole is unbeatable.

2. Fresh Vegetables

   • For a healthy option, serve your guacamole with sliced fresh veggies such as cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks. The crispness of the vegetables complements the smooth, creamy guacamole.

3. Tacos Or Burritos

   • Guacamole is a natural accompaniment to tacos and burritos. It adds a creamy richness to complement the bold flavors of grilled meats, beans, or veggies. You can even spread it directly inside the taco or burrito for extra flavor.

4. Grilled Meats Or Fish

   • Guacamole is excellent with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, or fish. Its richness balances the charred, smoky flavors of the meat. Add it as a topping or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

5. Quesadillas

   • Guacamole pairs beautifully with cheese-filled quesadillas, whether you opt for traditional cheese or add in meats like chicken or beef. The freshness of the guacamole cuts through the richness of the cheese.

6. Eggs

   • Whether it’s scrambled, fried, or in a breakfast burrito, guacamole is an excellent topping for eggs. Its smooth texture and zesty flavor complement eggs perfectly, creating a fulfilling meal.

7. Nachos

   • Guacamole is an essential component of any nacho platter. Spread it on top of tortilla chips with melted cheese, sour cream, and salsa to create the ultimate indulgent snack.

8. Crispy Fried Foods

   • Serve guacamole as a side with crispy fried foods like onion rings, fried calamari, or chicken tenders. The creamy dip cuts through the crispiness and adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s guacamole is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual parties to festive gatherings. By experimenting with variations like spicy, bacon-infused, or even tropical fruit blends, you can tailor the flavor to your specific cravings.

Proper storage ensures that your guacamole remains fresh and delicious, while pairing it with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables opens up a wide range of options for complementing the dish. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, dip, or side, guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser that brings vibrant flavors to any table.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s guacamole recipe requires ripe avocados, a fresh chili, red onion, fresh cilantro (coriander), lime, and salt. The ingredients are simple and fresh, ensuring a flavorful dip.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Recipe Without Cilantro?

Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver’s guacamole recipe without cilantro if you prefer or have an allergy. You could substitute it with other fresh herbs like parsley or even basil, but cilantro is typically the key herb in traditional guacamole.

How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Less Spicy?

To make Jamie Oliver’s guacamole less spicy, reduce the amount of chili or use a milder chili variety. You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the chili before adding it to the guacamole to reduce the heat.

How Ripe Should The Avocados Be For This Recipe?

The avocados should be ripe but not overly soft. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed, but not be mushy. Ripe avocados ensure the guacamole is creamy with the right texture.

How Do I Know If My Guacamole Is Ready To Serve?

Your guacamole is ready to serve when it’s smooth but still has a bit of texture, and the flavors are balanced. The lime should add a fresh zing, while the chili should provide a pleasant kick. You can adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Can I Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Ahead Of Time?

It’s best to prepare Jamie Oliver’s guacamole just before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant green color. However, if you must make it ahead of time, cover the guacamole tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent oxidation, and refrigerate it.

Can I Add Other Ingredients To Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole?

Yes!

While Jamie Oliver’s guacamole recipe is simple and classic, you can add extra ingredients to customize it. Some variations include adding tomatoes, garlic, or even roasted corn for extra flavor and texture.

How Long Will Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole Last In The Fridge?

Jamie Oliver’s guacamole is best eaten fresh, but if stored properly in the fridge, it can last up to 1-2 days. To extend its freshness, make sure to cover it tightly and possibly add a layer of lime juice on top to prevent browning.

Can I Use A Food Processor To Make Jamie Oliver’s Guacamole?

You can use a food processor to make Jamie Oliver’s guacamole, but it may turn out smoother than traditional guacamole, which typically has more texture. If you prefer a chunkier dip, it’s better to mash the avocados by hand with a fork.

What Are Some Common Mistakes When Making Guacamole?

Common mistakes when making guacamole include using unripe avocados, over-mashing the ingredients (which leads to a mushy texture), not balancing the flavors with enough lime or salt, or adding too much chili, which can overpower the other flavors.