Smashed Apple Guacamole

Cinco do Mayo is coming up this week and what better way to celebrate than with a bowl of Smashed Apple Guacamole? While in Mexico it is a day for celebrating victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, for many outside of Mexico it has become a day for celebrating Mexican culture with tequila cocktails and delicious food.

In London, it is difficult to find many Mexican ingredients at the best of times, and is especially difficult during the current situation. Cinco de Mayo menus this year will become about finding creative ways to put new twists on classic favourites using what is available. One item that has been very easy to find in the shops has been apples. These versatile fruits are actually a great way to stretch your avocados for homemade guacamole and they happen to also taste delicious with tequila (hint hint). Using a variation of a recipe by world renowned chef, Roberto Santibañez, you can make a delicious homemade guacamole perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Although Cold Brew Kombucha and Retro Denim Jacket both love Mexican cuisine, it does not always love them back. Both suffer from pepper intolerance which means that many recipes have to be altered to make them more CBK and RDJ friendly. That being the case, there are no peppers in this recipe. However, Chef Santibañez often uses roast chilli in his dishes, and we certainly do not discourage you from turning up the heat if you so desire. We also use more alcohol in our version (this is where the smashed comes in) but you certainly do not have to, you can even opt not to use any at all if you are making this for children or friends who do not drink.

Smashed Apple Guacamole

You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 large apple (sweet recommended)

• 1 1/2 tbsp of Tequila

• 1 lime, juiced (2 if you feel your lime is small or not giving enough juice)

• 2 medium sized ripe avocados

• 1 medium white onion

• 3 tbsp fresh coriander (about 1 bunch)

• Sea salt (around 1 tsp)

And the following equipment:

• Knife

• Apple peeler or pairing knife

• Cutting board

• Small mixing bowl

• Fork (for mashing)

• Measuring spoons (although you can adjust this recipe to taste)

• Spoon (for mixing)

Ok, now lets get cooking!

• Peel, core, and dice apple

• In a bowl, combine the apple, the lime juice, and 1 1/2 tbsp of tequila

• Mix together and let the apple soak up the tequila for about 30 minutes to an hour

• Dice the white onion and add to the apple mixture

• Roughly mash your avocados and mix in with the apples and onions (I find the easiest way to do this is to cut the avocado into chunks and mash each chunk with a fork on the cutting board before scraping into the bowl)

• Finely chop the coriander and add to guacamole mixture

• Add sea salt to taste

• Serve!

Smashed Apple Guacamole is best served with some freshly made corn tortilla chips, however shop bought corn chips will work if you are not keen on making your own. We do recommend low salt versions if buying a bag. If you are in the mood for something different, this guacamole is delicious with sourdough crispbread.

Like we said, shopping during social distancing means getting creative so why not try mixing it up. This guacamole is also tasty in your favourite taco, burrito, or as a side to whatever creative dishes you may come up with to celebrate. Never be afraid to experiment and try something new. Happy Cinco de Mayo!