Venezuelan Guasacaca Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Venezuela with this fresh and hand-chopped Guasacaca salsa. Unlike traditional guacamole, this chunky condiment celebrates the unique blend of ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and fragrant cilantro, all finely chopped by hand to enhance texture and flavors. Perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon juice and a kick from hot sauce, this versatile salsa is fantastic as a dip for crispy nacho chips, a zesty topping for savory arepas, or a colorful addition to any meal as a chopped salad. Serve it chilled to bring out the freshness of the ingredients and enjoy a taste of South America in every bite!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
1 medium (Chopped)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Avocados
2 (Peeled and seeded)
Bell pepper
1/4 cup (Minced (optional))
Cilantro leaves
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Lemon juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Hot sauce
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by hand-chopping the tomatoes, onions, avocados, and bell pepper (if using) into small, even pieces.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce.
3
Mix everything gently to combine, ensuring not to mash the avocados too much to maintain texture.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Once chilled, give it a gentle stir and serve as a dip for corn chips, a topping for arepas, or as a bright, chunky side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Venezuelan Guasacaca Delight?
It is a fresh and vibrant Venezuelan salsa made with hand-chopped avocados, tomatoes, and onions, offering a unique chunky texture.
How is this different from traditional guacamole?
Unlike guacamole which is often smooth or mashed, this Guasacaca is a chunky condiment where ingredients are finely chopped by hand to enhance the texture.
What are the main ingredients in Guasacaca Delight?
The primary ingredients include avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce.
How many avocados are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 avocados, which should be peeled and seeded before chopping.
Is the bell pepper a required ingredient?
No, the 1/4 cup of minced bell pepper is an optional addition to the recipe.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
It is recommended to hand-chop the vegetables to maintain the specific chunky texture that defines this salsa.
How much cilantro is used in this salsa?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped cilantro leaves.
What type of citrus is used for acidity?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How long does the Guasacaca need to refrigerate?
The salsa should be chilled for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Why must the salsa be chilled for 3 hours?
Chilling allows the fresh ingredients and seasonings to blend together, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is this Venezuelan Guasacaca spicy?
It includes 2 teaspoons of hot sauce for a kick, but you can adjust the amount to your taste preference.
What is the best way to serve Guasacaca?
It is excellent as a dip for corn chips, a topping for savory arepas, or even as a side salad.
Can this salsa be used as a salad?
Yes, its chunky texture and fresh vegetables allow it to be served as a bright and colorful chopped salad.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe consists entirely of plant-based ingredients, making it vegan-friendly.
Is this Guasacaca recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients in the salsa are naturally gluten-free.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Mix the ingredients gently in a bowl to ensure the avocados remain chunky and do not become mashed.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
One medium tomato should be hand-chopped into small, even pieces.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in the refrigerator in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a lid.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a party food and an appetizer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, since it requires 3 hours of chilling, it is an ideal dish to prepare in advance.
What makes this 'Venezuelan'?
The combination of ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and vinegar or citrus, specifically served with arepas, is a hallmark of Venezuelan cuisine.
Should I serve this warm or cold?
It is best served chilled to highlight the freshness of the hand-chopped vegetables.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the fresh vegetable ingredients, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
What texture should I aim for when chopping?
Aim for small, even pieces that provide a chunky, salad-like consistency.
Can I substitute lime for lemon?
While the recipe specifies lemon juice, lime juice is a common and acceptable substitute in South American salsas.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total, including the optional bell pepper.
What is the first step in making this salsa?
The first step is hand-chopping the tomatoes, onions, avocados, and optional bell pepper into small pieces.