Lost Dishes: Casa Gallardo - Perfect Guacamole

Casa Gallardo: Perfect Guacamole

"So simple," said Ramon Gallardo, the owner of Casa Gallardo. "You take the avocado out of the shell, add a little onion, a little tomato. How simple is that? Yet people mess it up."

The problem, he said, is that Americans want to grind everything in a blender or food processor. They want their food to be smooth.

"But perfect guacamole is never smooth. It has lumps of chilis, lumps of guacamole. Our guacamole never sees the inside of a blender."


Mash avocado with fork	Perfect Guacamole

Perfect Guacamole

Source: Ramon Gallardo, Tampa Bay Times, November 10, 1982

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

2 Tbsp minced onion
1 medium jalapeno
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
2 tsp chopped fresh coriander
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 large, ripe avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
Salt
Lime juice
Taco chips

Preparation

Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons onion with the jalapeno, garlic, coriander and lime juice in a processor. Chop using on/off switch. Turn into a mixing bowl.

Add avocado and mash with a fork. Add tomato and remaining onion and toss to blend. Season to taste with salt and additional lime juice. Serve at room temperature with taco chips.

Note: Can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated. Sprinkle guacamole with lime juice to prevent darkening.