Venezuelan Avocado Salsa Verde with a Kick
Venezuelan Avocado Salsa Verde, known as Guasacaca, is a vibrant, zesty condiment that combines the creamy richness of avocados with the fiery heat of chili peppers and the freshness of herbs. This versatile salsa is perfect for elevating grilled meats, poultry, fresh salads, and traditional Venezuelan dishes like empanadas and arepas. With its blend of spices and tangy vinegar, it's a delightful addition to any meal, providing a burst of flavor and a touch of spice. Experience the bold tastes of Venezuela right in your kitchen with this easy-to-make recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Avocados
3 (peeled and seeded)
Tomato
1 (peeled, seeded and chopped (optional))
Onion
1/2 (finely chopped (can use green onion if preferred))
Hot chili peppers
2-6 (finely chopped (or 2-3 tsp. hot sauce to taste))
Garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
Fresh cilantro
1/2-3/4 cup (chopped (or parsley))
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Olive oil
1/4-1/2 cup (can reduce or leave out to your liking)
Vinegar
1/8-1/4 cup (to taste (or lemon juice))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the avocados. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and peel them. Chop the avocados roughly and add them to a large mixing bowl.
2
Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to mash the avocados to your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
3
Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl along with the chopped tomatoes (if using), minced garlic, and finely chopped chili peppers.
4
Add the chopped cilantro (or parsley), followed by a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
5
Pour in the olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice) gradually, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
6
Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
7
Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your Guasacaca with grilled meats, tacos, or as a delicious dip!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guasacaca?
Guasacaca is a vibrant, zesty Venezuelan Avocado Salsa Verde known for its creamy richness and spicy kick.
What are the main ingredients for this salsa?
The primary ingredients are avocados, tomatoes, onions, hot chili peppers, garlic, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar.
How many avocados do I need?
You will need 3 avocados that have been peeled and seeded.
Is the tomato mandatory in Venezuelan Avocado Salsa Verde?
No, the tomato is optional and should be peeled, seeded, and chopped if used.
What can I use if I don't have regular onions?
You can use green onions as a substitute for the half onion called for in the recipe.
How many chili peppers should I add for the 'kick'?
The recipe suggests 2 to 6 finely chopped hot chili peppers depending on your heat tolerance.
Can I use hot sauce instead of fresh peppers?
Yes, you can substitute the peppers with 2 to 3 teaspoons of hot sauce to taste.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I substitute cilantro with another herb?
Yes, you can use fresh parsley if you do not have or like cilantro.
How much olive oil is used in the salsa?
The recipe uses 1/4 to 1/2 cup of olive oil, but it can be reduced or omitted according to your preference.
What can be used instead of vinegar?
Lemon juice is a suitable alternative to vinegar for adding tanginess to the salsa.
How do I prepare the avocados for mashing?
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, peel them, and then roughly chop them before adding to a bowl.
What tools should I use to mash the avocados?
You can use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to reach your desired consistency.
Should the salsa be completely smooth?
No, it is recommended to leave some chunks of avocado for better texture.
When do I add the herbs and spices?
Add the chopped cilantro (or parsley) along with the salt and pepper after the base vegetables are mixed.
How do I combine the liquid ingredients?
Pour in the olive oil and vinegar gradually, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Can I adjust the seasoning after mixing?
Yes, you should taste the salsa and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed.
How long should the salsa sit before serving?
While it can be served immediately, refrigerating it for an hour allows the flavors to meld together.
What are the best dishes to serve with Guasacaca?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, poultry, fresh salads, tacos, empanadas, and arepas.
Can this salsa be used as a dip?
Yes, it serves as a delicious and flavorful dip for various snacks.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the ingredients listed are entirely plant-based.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use standard white or apple cider vinegar, adding 1/8 to 1/4 cup to taste.
Is Guasacaca spicy?
Yes, it is designed to have a kick, but the level of spice can be controlled by the number of peppers used.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is preparing the avocados by halving, pitting, peeling, and chopping them.
Can I reduce the fat content of this salsa?
Yes, you can reduce or entirely leave out the olive oil to suit your dietary needs.
Does this salsa go well with poultry?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a great way to elevate grilled poultry dishes.
Where does this salsa originate?
This is a traditional condiment from Venezuela.