Hi, Good News! If you love guacamole, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the famous Babalu guacamole at home. This is the best restaurant guacamole you’ll ever taste, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Babalu is a restaurant that started in Jackson, MS and now has locations in Memphis and other cities around the south. The vibe at Babalu is fun, casual, and cool with a little bit of cozy thrown in for good measure. Their tag line is “Southern food with Latin Flair.” Everything they serve is delicious, but their guacamole is out of this world.
What Makes Babalu Guacamole So Good?
Babalu guacamole is made with fresh ingredients and a secret ingredient that gives it a unique flavor. They make it table side and tell you exactly what ingredients and how much of each they are including as they make it for you. So, what are the ingredients?
The Ingredients
To make Babalu guacamole, you’ll need the following:
- 2 of the best medium to large avocados you can find. Perfectly ripe, soft without being mushy.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
- 1.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1.5 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1.5 tablespoon minced sun dried tomatoes packed in oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Secret Ingredient
The secret ingredient that makes Babalu guacamole so special is the sun dried tomatoes. They add a burst of sweetness and tanginess that complements the creaminess of the avocado and the freshness of the other ingredients. They also add a nice texture and color to the dip.
The Technique
The technique for making Babalu guacamole is simple but effective. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut each avocado in half around the pit, carefully remove the pit, and scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl with a spoon.
- Mash the avocado with a fork or a potato masher until it reaches your desired consistency. Some people like it chunky, some like it smooth.
- Add the green onion, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, sun dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper and mix well.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want more lime juice, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.
- Enjoy your guacamole with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Easy Guacamole Variations
If you want to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, here are some ideas for easy guacamole variations:
Kale Guacamole
Add some greens to your guacamole with this healthy variation. Chop some kale finely and massage it with a little olive oil and salt until it softens. Then add it to your mashed avocado along with some shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and jalapeño pepper for some spice.
Mango Guacamole
Add some tropical flair to your guacamole with this fruity variation. Chop some ripe mango into small pieces and add it to your mashed avocado along with some red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño pepper for some heat. The sweet and spicy combination is irresistible.
Bacon Guacamole
Add some smoky and salty flavor to your guacamole with this indulgent variation. Cook some bacon until crisp and crumble it into small pieces. Then add it to your mashed avocado along with some green onion, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic salt. This is a great way to use up leftover bacon.
Nutritional Benefits of Guacamole
Guacamole is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that can benefit your health in many ways. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of guacamole:
|Nutrient|Amount per 1/4 cup|% Daily Value|
|——–|——————|————-|
|Calories|125|6%|
|Fat|11 g|17%|
|Saturated fat|1.6 g|8%|
|Carbohydrate|7.5 g|3%|
|Fiber|5.2 g|21%|
|Sugar|0.9 g|N/A|
|Protein|1.6 g|3%|
|Vitamin K|21 mcg|26%|
|Folate|63 mcg|16%|
|Vitamin C|10 mg|17%|
|Vitamin E|2 mg|10%|
|Potassium|386 mg|11%|
Healthy Fats
The main source of fat in guacamole is avocado, which is rich in monounsaturated fat, specifically oleic acid. This type of fat has been linked to lower levels of inflammation, lower LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Monounsaturated fat also helps you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and weight gain.
Vitamins and Minerals
Guacamole is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, bone health, and heart health. Folate is a B vitamin that is crucial for cell and DNA health, especially during pregnancy. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts your immune system, skin health, and wound healing. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects your cells from damage and supports your vision and brain function. Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate your fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
Antioxidants and Fiber
Guacamole also contains phytonutrients, which are plant compounds that have health-promoting properties. Some of the phytonutrients in guacamole are lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that protect your eyes from age-related diseases. Another phytonutrient is glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify your body and prevent oxidative stress. Guacamole also provides a good amount of fiber, which helps lower your cholesterol, regulate your blood sugar, improve your digestion, and prevent constipation.
FAQs About Guacamole
How do you keep guacamole from turning brown?
The reason why guacamole turns brown is because of an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase in the avocado cells, which reacts with oxygen in the air and produces a brown pigment called melanin. To prevent this reaction, you need to limit the exposure of the guacamole to air. There are several methods you can try to keep your guacamole fresh and green:
- Add some lime or lemon juice to the guacamole. The acidity will slow down the browning process.
- Cover the guacamole with plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the dip and leaves no air pockets.
- Store the guacamole in an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight lid.
- Place the avocado pit in the center of the guacamole. This will create a barrier that reduces the surface area exposed to air.
- Refrigerate the guacamole as soon as possible and consume it within a day or two.
How do you make guacamole spicy?
If you like your guacamole with some heat, you can add some spicy ingredients to it. The most common way to make guacamole spicy is to add some chopped chili peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos. You can also add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Be careful not to add too much spice, as it can overpower the flavor of the avocado. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
How do you make guacamole creamy?
If you prefer your guacamole to be more creamy than chunky, there are a few ways to achieve that texture. One way is to mash the avocado more thoroughly until it becomes smooth and silky. Another way is to add some creamy ingredients to the guacamole, such as sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, or cream cheese. These ingredients will also add some tanginess and richness to the dip.
What can you eat with guacamole?
Guacamole is a versatile dip that can be enjoyed with many different foods. The most popular way to eat guacamole is with tortilla chips or nachos, but you can also use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or toast. You can also use it as a topping for tacos, quesadillas, burritos, salads, or bowls. You can even use it as a base for dressings, sauces, or soups.
What can you add to guacamole?
Guacamole is a simple dish that canbe customized with many different ingredients to suit your taste and preference. Here are some ideas for what you can add to guacamole:
Cheese
Cheese is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your guacamole. You can use any kind of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey jack, feta, cotija, or queso fresco. Just grate or crumble the cheese and mix it with the guacamole or sprinkle it on top.
Corn
Corn adds some sweetness and crunch to your guacamole. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, but make sure to drain it well before adding it to the guacamole. You can also roast or grill the corn for a smoky flavor.
Black Beans
Black beans add some protein and fiber to your guacamole, making it more filling and satisfying. You can use canned or cooked black beans, but rinse and drain them well before adding them to the guacamole. You can also mash some of the beans to make the guacamole creamier.
Bacon
Bacon adds some smoky and salty flavor to your guacamole, making it more indulgent and delicious. You can use any kind of bacon you like, such as regular, turkey, or vegan bacon. Just cook it until crisp and crumble it into small pieces. Then add it to the guacamole or sprinkle it on top.
Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds add some color and freshness to your guacamole, making it more festive and appealing. They also add some sweetness and tartness that contrast well with the creaminess of the avocado. You can use fresh or frozen pomegranate seeds, but thaw them first if using frozen.
Conclusion
Guacamole is a delicious and nutritious dip that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can make it with fresh ingredients and a secret ingredient that makes it taste like the famous Babalu guacamole. You can also customize it with different ingredients to suit your taste and preference. Guacamole is easy to make and store, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
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