Monica Lujan’s Guacamole

This is the real deal, complex and delicious. Mario Rodriguez’ wife, Monica Lujan and I made the guacamole together, reverse engineering to create the recipe. Taste as you go, just like we did; it’s a hallmark of all great cooks. If you prefer less or more heat, adjust the amount of jalapeño.

Makes about 1½ cups

Ingredients

  • 2 large avocados (thin-skinned Fuerte is Monica and Mario’s favorite, but Haas is also fine)

  • 1 small tomato, seeded and finely diced (about ½ cup)

  • 1⁄3 medium white onion, finely diced (about ¼ cup)

  • 1 medium jalapeño, very finely diced (remove seeds if you are sensitive to heat)

  • ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro

  • Juice of 1½ large limes

  • 1 tablespoon salt

Method

  • In a medium bowl, mash avocados.

  • Add tomato, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, and combine.

  • Add lime juice and salt (begin with ½ tablespoon salt, tasting as you go).