Go Back
–+ servings
Guacamole in a molcajete.

Molcajete Guacamole (Mortar and Pestle)

Using a molcajete or mortar and pestle will give you the best guacamole you have ever had. Smashing the ingredients releases the natural oils and flavors in a way that you just can’t achieve by chopping with a knife.
This is guacamole done right, and it doesn't take a lot of ingredients. If you have ever had tableside guacamole at a restaurant, this is how they make it!
If you don't have a molcajete, simply use a mortar and pestle instead. If it isn't large enough to hold all the ingredients, no problem! Make a paste from the onions and herbs, then transfer it to a bowl and mash it with the avocados.
5 from 14 votes
Print Pin Video Save
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 42kcal
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

  • ½ of a white onion diced
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños diced
  • ⅓ cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 to 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 to 2 limes juiced
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 5 avocados

Instructions

Make a Paste

  • Place about 3 to 5 tablespoons of diced onions in the molcajete or in the bowl of a large mortar and pestle. Add the jalapeños, garlic cloves, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. 
  • Use the pestle (tejolote) to grind and smash the mixture into a paste. 

Finish the Guacamole

  • Add the avocados and mash them with the pestle. 
  • Taste the guacamole and season with additional salt or lime juice if desired. 
  • Stir in additional diced onions if desired. 
  • Serve immediately or press plastic wrap directly on top of the guacamole to keep the air from turning it brown. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. 

Notes

  • If you want to kick up the heat, substitute serene peppers for the jalapeños. 
  • You can stir in diced tomatoes or pico de gallo for a little color. 
  • If you don’t care for cilantro, substitute it with parsley and a pinch of ground cumin powder. 
  • If your molcajete or mortar is too small for all the avocados, just use it to make a paste from all the other ingredients. Transfer the paste to a larger bowl and mash in the avocados.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 42mg | Fiber: 2g