The Best 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe in 5 Minutes

One of the first recipes I learned how to make was guacamole. This was back around 2005, when I was a very inexperienced (and unhealthy) cook– the best dip I could make was nuking an entire block of processed cheese with a can of cheap beer in the microwave.

I had never bought avocados. I had never juiced limes with my hands. I had never even tried cumin before. But tasting delicious homemade guacamole at a friends house got me instantly hooked.

What I loved was that it was easy, filling, and inexpensive with only 4 main ingredients. It required zero brainpower to whip up a batch of guacamole and smear it on tortillas for an easy lunch. Not only that, but it was healthy too, something I had just started learning about at the time.

Now, all these years later, I’ve made guacamole more times than I can count.

And even though there are plenty of recipes out there that get “fancy” with extra tomatoes or chopped onions, I don’t need the flash. I like the simple, classic, old school recipe I’ve been making for almost two decades. It feels just right.

Guacamole, an interesting history

Most vegans would agree that life isn’t worth living without avocados, and that’s how I feel about guacamole. But do you know the interesting history behind this delicious Mexican staple?

First off, while it’s hard to pinpoint an exact date, the recipe can be traced back to the Aztecs, who benefited from the abundance of avocados growing in South Central Mexico. They would call the avocados “ahuácatl” which apparently translates to “testicle.” Now, either the Aztecs had a good sense of humor or they were good at analogies, since the avocado hangs in pairs. Anyway, the Aztec word for guacamole is “ahuacamolli,” which is a compound word meaning… “testicle sauce.”

Apparently, the Aztecs also had balls when it came to naming their recipes.

Anyhoo, the popularity of guacamole in the United States has risen over the years, especially after the ban on Mexican imports was lifted in 1997. Now, I don’t think you can imagine going to a Mexican restaurant without getting a side of guacamole.

Although please, don’t start speaking loudly about testicles at the table unless you want to get a few raised eyebrows.

FAQ’s about homemade guacamole

Is it cheaper to make your own guacamole?

YES! Depending on the season and whether or not you are buying organic, you can purchase avocados for less than $1 each (I usually get them for about 77 cents each). Limes typically cost about 50 cents. Cumin powder can cost between $1-3 for a 2 oz jar, but you are only using a couple teaspoons.

Normally, I see store-bought guacamole priced between $2.99 and $5.99, depending on the size of the tub and brand. But in my opinion, you can’t beat the flavor of homemade guacamole.

How do you prevent guacamole from browning?

To keep avocados (and guacamole) from browning, you need to make sure you add plenty of lime juice, since the ascorbic acid helps the guacamole retain its green color. This absolutely will help keep your guacamole fresh for a day, but will not keep it from turning brown overnight.

We’ve all read the “simple hacks” you can do to keep guacamole green, like adding extra lime/lemon juice or storing it with the pit, but I’m not sure any of these actually guarantee the prolonging of guac’s appetizing color.

I’ve also read that if you pour lukewarm water on top of the guacamole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge, that it will help keep your guacamole fresh. Once ready to eat again, you drain the water off. I have not tried this hack, but if you do, please let me know in the comments below.

Can I eat guacamole if it turns brown?

Technically, you can eat guacamole that has turned brown up to 2-3 days after, although I personally feel that guacamole is best eaten fresh and in the same day. I rarely will consume my guacamole the next day, and if I do, I’m digging under the brown parts to see if there’s any green preserved.

Can I make guacamole ahead of time?

I do not recommend making guacamole the day ahead of a party. I think you get the best flavor and color if you make it as close to your event as possible. But, that’s one reason why I LOVE this simple recipe–it literally takes just a few minutes and isn’t complicated.

How do you make guacamole from scratch? Try this easy recipe…

What you need (see the recipe box below for exact measurements):

• avocados
• lime
• serrano peppers (or jalapeño peppers)
• ground cumin
• salt and black pepper, to taste

*optional add-ins: diced red onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mash avocados with a fork.

2. Squeeze lime juice into bowl, and mash again with a fork.

3. Stir in diced serrano peppers (be careful when cutting these, and use protective gloves if necessary).

4. Add ground cumin to desired taste.

5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite Mexican dish or tortilla chips!

Allergy Information and Notes

• This guacamole recipe is 100% vegan. It is also naturally gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and oil-free.
• Pump up this guacamole with diced red onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, or chopped cilantro.
• Don’t like spicy? Omit the serrano peppers.
• Serve this on your favorite Mexican dish or with tortilla chips.

More easy vegan Mexican recipes:

• Simple Spicy Salsa
• Easy Avocado Quesadillas
• Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce

Thank you for taking the time to invest in your health and happiness!