Babalu Guacamole Recipe

Have you ever been to Babalu Tacos and Tapas and found yourself smitten by their irresistible guacamole? We’ve been there too! That creamy, flavorful dip has a way of leaving a lasting impression. But what if we told you that you could recreate that Babalu guacamole recipe magic right in your own kitchen?

So, if you’re the one who’s been searching for that elusive Babalu guacamole recipe, your quest ends here.

Get your apron, and let’s start cooking!

History of Babalu Guacamole

Origin

Babalu Tapas & Tacos is a restaurant chain that originated in Jackson, Mississippi. The restaurant is known for its unique take on traditional Spanish and Latin American dishes. One of the most popular dishes at Babalu is their guacamole. The recipe for this famous guacamole has been passed down from the restaurant’s founder, Bill Latham.

The Babalu guacamole recipe is a modern twist on a classic Mexican dish. The recipe includes ripe avocados, sun-dried tomatoes, lime juice, red onions, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. The combination of these ingredients creates a fresh and flavorful guacamole that is sure to please any palate.

Popularity

Since its inception, Babalu Tapas & Tacos has expanded to several locations across the Southeastern United States. The popularity of their guacamole has also grown, with many people trying to replicate the recipe at home. Babalu’s guacamole has been featured in several publications, including Southern Living and Food & Wine.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Babalu’s guacamole is the use of high-quality ingredients. The avocados used in the recipe are always ripe and fresh, and the other ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible. The guacamole is made fresh daily, ensuring that customers always receive the best possible product.

Essential Ingredients

To make the famous Babalu guacamole, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need. These ingredients are what give the guacamole its unique flavor and texture. In this section, we will go over each ingredient in detail and explain why it is important.

Avocados

Avocados are the star of the show when it comes to guacamole. They are what give the dish its creamy texture and rich flavor. When selecting avocados for guacamole, it is important to choose ones that are ripe but not overripe. Overripe avocados will be mushy and not hold their shape in the guacamole. To determine if an avocado is ripe, gently squeeze it. It should give slightly but not be too soft.

Lime

Lime is another essential ingredient in Babalu guacamole. It adds a bright, citrusy flavor that helps balance out the richness of the avocados. When selecting limes, choose ones that are heavy for their size and have smooth, shiny skin. To extract the most juice from a lime, roll it on a hard surface before cutting it in half and squeezing.

Cilantro

Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the guacamole. It is important to use fresh cilantro rather than dried for the best flavor. When preparing cilantro, remove the stems and finely chop the leaves.

Onion

Onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the guacamole. Red onion is typically used in Babalu guacamole, but white or yellow onion can also be used. When preparing onion, finely chop it and soak it in cold water for a few minutes to remove some of the harshness.

Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are a unique ingredient in Babalu guacamole. They add a slightly sweet, tangy flavor and a chewy texture. When using sun-dried tomatoes, finely chop them before adding them to the guacamole.

Spices

Salt and pepper are the only spices Babalu guacamole needs, but they are important for seasoning the dish. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust to taste.

Preparation Method

Choosing Avocados

The first step in making Babalu guacamole is selecting the right avocados. Choose medium to large avocados that are perfectly ripe and soft without being mushy. If you are a guac aficionado, you already know how to pick out a perfect avocado. If not, look for avocados that are dark green and feel heavy for their size. They should have a slight give when gently squeezed, but not be too soft.

Mixing Ingredients

Once you have selected the perfect avocados, it’s time to mix the ingredients. The recipe calls for chopped green onion, chopped red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, lime juice, and salt.

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the meat into a medium bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and using a fork or a potato masher, mash until the ingredients are well-incorporated.

Be sure not to over-mash the guacamole, as it should have a slightly chunky texture.

Serving Suggestions

Babalu guacamole is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is a great dip for tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

It can also be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, or burgers. For a more elegant presentation, serve the guacamole in a small bowl with a sprig of cilantro on top. To add some heat, sprinkle some diced jalapeño peppers on top.

Making Babalu guacamole is a simple and delicious process. By following these easy steps, anyone can create a restaurant-quality guacamole at home. So grab some avocados and get ready to impress your guests with your culinary skills!

Storage and Shelf Life

Babalu guacamole is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later consumption. Here are some tips on how to store Babalu guacamole to extend its shelf life:

• Refrigeration: Guacamole should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. Transfer the guacamole to an airtight container before storing it in the fridge. This will help prevent the guacamole from absorbing any unwanted flavors or odors from other foods in the fridge.
• Covering: To prevent the guacamole from browning, it is important to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap should be placed directly on top of the guacamole, making sure there is no air between the guacamole and the plastic wrap. This will help prevent oxidation, which causes the guacamole to turn brown.
• Freezing: If you need to store Babalu guacamole for longer than 3 days, it can be frozen. To freeze guacamole, transfer it to an airtight container and make sure it is tightly sealed. Guacamole can be frozen for up to 6 months. However, it is important to note that freezing can affect the texture of the guacamole. When thawed, the guacamole may become watery and the texture may be slightly different.
• Shelf Life: The shelf life of guacamole depends on how it is prepared and stored. Homemade guacamole should be consumed within 2-3 days of preparation. Store-bought guacamole usually has a longer shelf life and can last up to 7 days if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Variations of Babalu Guacamole

There are several variations of this recipe that can add a unique twist to the classic dish. Here are a few variations of Babalu guacamole that you can try:

Mango Salsa Babalu Guacamole

To make this variation of Babalu guacamole, add diced mango to the original recipe. The sweetness of the mango complements the creaminess of the avocado and adds a tropical twist to the dish. This variation is perfect for summer parties or when you want to add a little bit of sweetness to your guacamole.

Spicy Babalu Guacamole

If you like your guacamole with a kick, try adding some jalapeno or serrano peppers to the original recipe. You can also add some hot sauce to make it even spicier. This variation is perfect for those who love a little bit of heat in their food.

Bacon and Tomato Babalu Guacamole

For a heartier version of Babalu guacamole, add some cooked bacon and diced tomatoes to the original recipe. The smokiness of the bacon and the acidity of the tomatoes add a new dimension of flavor to the dish. This variation is perfect for those who want a more filling guacamole.

How can I add some extra flavor to my guacamole?

Babalu guacamole is a classic recipe, however, if you want to add some extra flavor to your guacamole, there are a few simple additions that you can make. Here are some ideas:

Add some heat

If you like your guacamole spicy, you can add some heat by including some chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers. You can also add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much heat can overpower the other flavors in the guacamole.

Add some sweetness

If you want to balance out the heat in your guacamole, you can add some sweetness by including some diced mango, pineapple, or peach. This will give your guacamole a tropical twist and make it perfect for summer parties or picnics.

Add some crunch

To add some texture to your guacamole, you can include some diced red onion, diced bell pepper, or even some corn kernels. This will give your guacamole a satisfying crunch and make it more interesting to eat.

Add some herbs

To add some freshness to your guacamole, you can include some parsley. This will give your guacamole a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the creamy avocado perfectly.

By adding some extra ingredients to your Babalu guacamole recipe, you can create a unique flavor profile that is all your own. Just be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking to ensure that your guacamole is perfect.

You can also use this Babalu Guacamole Recipe to add to stuffed plantains.