Holy Guacamole! Something Festive Pomegranate Guacamole Dip
I figured if “guac is extra”, then this recipe should be too… so you’re getting a two-for-one:
A traditional version and a festive Pomegranate Guacamole, with the juicy pomegranate arils adding a whole new dimension to this holiday recipe.
The first time I made guacamole I was in the 5th grade. My brother asked me to make it as part of his presentation for 7th grade Spanish class. I went to the public library (since there was no internet at the time) and found a cookbook with the recipe for guacamole.
I followed the recipe closely, and my brother took to his class. His Spanish teacher and classmates absolutely loved the guacamole. After that positive feedback, I have been making guacamole with confidence ever since.
The Simplicity and Versatility of Guacamole
The truth is that the base recipe is pretty easy. I still use the base recipe that I developed all those years ago, and now make variations based on my mood and what is available at the grocery store.
I am giving you two of my favorite variations. One is more classic with onions and tomatoes, while the other version uses pomegranate seeds.
My Greek sister-in-law introduced me to the juicy ruby seeds of the pomegranate (called arils). Ever since, I love serving guacamole with pomegranate seeds during the holidays because of the beautiful green and red colors. It looks quite festive. Pomegranates can be a little fiddly to You can experiment with adding other ingredients like cilantro, jalapeno pepper, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Texture? A Perfect Balance for the best guac
The perfect texture for guacamole is a balance of chunky and smooth, giving you that perfect mouth feel. It is easy to overmix, so be careful.
If you are anything like me, guacamole will become a staple appetizer, an addition to your tacos, burritos, and a go-to condiment with baked or grilled fish.
The Wonders of Avocados
I live in California, where fresh avocados are abundant and always available. California is the largest producer of avocados in the United States, while Mexico is the largest producer in the world. Some of my neighbors grow these fruits in their yards.
Pomegranate Guacamole Nutrition
Avocados are:
- a source of healthy monounsaturated fat that helps lower LDL cholesterol
- high in fiber, helping you feel satiated
- rich in nutrients often lacking in many people’s diets, including magnesium, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate
Pomegranates have a beautiful flavor and they also happen to be one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet. The benefits of pomegranates include:
- rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C
- high in polyphenols, which are compounds that act as powerful antioxidants.
- high in fiber, low in calories
Try new things: Avocado varieties
There are several varieties of avocados available on the market, with Hass being the most popular, but if you notice a difference in size, skin color and seed size, you may also have access Reed or Fuerte.
The taste and feel will be slightly different with each, so if you have a chance I encourage you to try different varieties.
No matter which you choose for making a tried and true guacamole recipe or totally festive pomegranate guacamole dip, using a tender ripe fruit will give you great results that everyone will enjoy.
Mealtime conversation starters
You think it’s looks that are attractive to other people? Let me tell you, being able to have a good conversation creates attraction and deepens your connections.
Try out this question.
What do you want to be like when you get older? Explain why.
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Pomegranate Guacamole Dip
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Equipment
- small mixing bowl for pomegranate seeds, or purchase arils precleaned.
Ingredients
- 3 medium avocados ripe
- 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
- 2 tbsp lime juice or substitute lemon juice
- 1-2 serrano peppers minced, stems and seeds removed
- ½ tsp salt
Option 1:
- 3 tbsp red onions finely chopped
- ¾ cup tomatoes diced
Option 2:
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Mash avocados, lime juice, and salt together in a medium bowl; and garlic.
Option 1:
- Mix in diced tomatoes and red onion, and transfer to serving bowl.
Option 2:
- Transfer to serving bowl, and sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top.
- [When transfering to a serving bowl, arrange the guacamole with a rubber scraper so that it looks plentiful.]
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips (chips not included in the nutritional label)
Notes
Hand Size Portions
Hand Portions
When you look at the nutritional values of a meal to log what you are eating, that is called tracking macros. A lot of people use this method to reach their health goals.
Looking at hand portion size and using this method to gauge how and what you eat is also a great method to help you reach your health goals. Many people who use this method often think this form of tracking meals is easier and more sustainable for a lifetime.
Want to learn more about hand portion size and how to use it to reach your goals? Check out the article How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.
Patsy Whatley believes that life is precious and that with knowledge and a holistic approach to chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. As Patsy watched her family’s lives improve, she knew that coaching people through nutrition and lifestyle changes would dramatically improve the quality of their life. And it will improve the quality of your life too.
Find other articles written by Patsy on her coach profile. Look to her for habits to create your best life.
