Matteo’s Recipes - Guacamole
Mayan Guacamole: Creamy, Crunchy, Perfect
Ciao Ragazzi. Guacamole is simple. But simple does not mean easy. The avocado must be perfect—soft, but not mushy, rich, but not overpowering. The lime must be bright, not too sharp. The onion must be crisp but never dominate. And then, there is the secret—the crunch. In the Mayan way, we add toasted pepitas, little bites of roasted pumpkin seeds, nutty and warm, breaking the creaminess with just the right amount of bite. This is guacamole the way it should be: balanced, alive, and just a little unexpected.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
3 ripe Hass avocados
1 small white onion, finely diced
1 ripe Roma tomato, finely diced
1 small bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely minced (optional, for heat)
Juice of 2 limes
1/3 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the pepitas – In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pepitas until they start to pop and turn golden brown. Shake the pan gently so they toast evenly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Mash the avocados – Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Use a fork to mash them—smooth, but with a little texture. Guacamole should not be a purée.
Build the flavor – Add the diced onion, tomato, cilantro, and minced chili (if using). Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and sprinkle the salt over the top.
Fold, don’t stir – Mix gently with a spoon. The ingredients should come together but not disappear into one another.
Finish with crunch – Fold in the toasted pepitas at the last moment, saving a few to sprinkle on top for garnish.
Taste and adjust – More lime if it needs brightness. More salt if it needs depth. More pepitas if you love the crunch.
Serve immediately – Guacamole waits for no one. Scoop it up with warm tortilla chips, spread it on a fresh corn tortilla, or eat it straight from the bowl. Just don’t let it sit too long—it’s too good for that.
A good guacamole is like a good conversation—fresh, lively, and gone before you know it.