Spicy Avocado Dip
This vibrant Spicy Avocado Dip is an incredibly quick and flavorful condiment, perfect for any gathering or a simple snack. Combining the creamy richness of ripe avocados with a zesty kick of lime and a hint of fiery hot sauce, it's an irresistible blend that will awaken your taste buds. Simple to prepare, it promises a fresh, bold taste experience every time.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Explodes with fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.
- Incredibly quick to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes.
- A versatile dip perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a condiment.
- Packed with healthy fats from the avocados and a metabolism-boosting kick from the hot sauce.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados (approximately 400g-500g total), preferably Haas variety
- Juice of 1 medium lime (approximately 30 ml / 2 tablespoons)
- 1 clove garlic (approximately 5g), finely minced
- 5-10 ml (1-2 teaspoons) hot sauce, such as Tabasco or a similar cayenne-based sauce, adjusted to your preferred level of heat
- 2-3g (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Carefully cut each ripe avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist the halves apart to separate them. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the pit, or carefully embed a knife into the pit and twist to remove it.
- Using a large spoon, scoop the creamy, vibrant green flesh from both avocado halves into a medium-sized mixing bowl. With the back of a fork, thoroughly mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency – either perfectly smooth for a creamy dip or slightly chunky for more texture.
- Add the freshly squeezed lime juice, the finely minced garlic, the hot sauce (starting with 1 teaspoon and adding more if desired), and the salt to the mashed avocado. Stir vigorously with the fork or a spatula until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Transfer the freshly prepared Spicy Avocado Dip to a serving bowl. Immediately serve it alongside crisp tortilla chips, crudités, or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats, enjoying its fresh and lively flavors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Citrus juicer (optional, for lime)
- Small serving bowl
Essential Success Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe avocados: they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Overripe avocados can be stringy and brown.
- Mash to your preferred texture: some prefer a completely smooth dip, while others enjoy small chunks of avocado for added bite.
- Add lime juice immediately: this not only adds crucial flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly due to oxidation.
- Taste and adjust: always taste the dip before serving and adjust salt and hot sauce levels to your personal preference.
- Serve promptly: while the lime juice helps, avocado dip is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of complexity, lightly toast the minced garlic in a tiny bit of olive oil for 30 seconds before adding it to the dip; this mellows its raw bite and enhances its aromatic qualities.
- To maintain maximum freshness and prevent browning if not serving immediately, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip, ensuring no air pockets, and refrigerate.
- Experiment with different types of hot sauce; a smoky chipotle hot sauce can add a fantastic depth, while a habanero sauce will elevate the heat significantly.
Notes
- To store leftovers, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip to prevent air exposure and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The dip may still brown slightly.
- For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of finely chopped fresh cilantro or a tiny amount of finely diced red onion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent the avocado dip from browning?
The lime juice is key! Additionally, after preparing, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip, removing all air, before refrigerating. This significantly slows down oxidation.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it up to a few hours in advance if you follow the browning prevention tips (liberal lime juice and airtight plastic wrap directly on the surface).
What are some good serving suggestions beyond chips?
This dip is fantastic with vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers), as a spread on toast or sandwiches, dolloped onto grilled chicken or fish, or even stirred into a salad dressing for extra creaminess.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 250, Protein: 4g, Fat: 22g (Saturated 3g), Carbs: 14g (Fiber 7g, Sugars 1g), Sodium: 250mg (per serving, estimated for 4 servings)
Allergy Information
This dip is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. It is vegetarian and vegan. Always check the ingredients of your chosen hot sauce for any hidden allergens or animal products.
No comment