Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction

Looking for a savory and sweet dip that will wake up your taste buds? My Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction fits the bill.

Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction is a great, new twist on an old favorite. Perfect for every party or just an afternoon snack.

Guacamole might seem like a trusty standby that can’t be improved upon, but I like to think of it as a blank slate; an opportunity to experiment. To me, it can be a vehicle for new flavors and textures.

A new restaurant opened here in Baltimore recently.  Since my initial visit, I have gone back two times.  Not for the entrees, not for the service, not for the hand-crafted cocktails…for the gourmet guacamole!

My eyes zeroed in on an appetizer and I had no choice but to order it for my entree. Their Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction (and their Bacon Salsa) were revolutionary. And to be honest, I didn’t even miss the tacos.

It was so dang good,  I just had to make my own version. And now, it is one of my most requested appetizer recipes. Truth be told, I made a few little changes to really amp up the flavor profile for this guacamole.

Instead of adding the usual suspects: tomato and onion, I added sauteed shallot, roasted red pepper, and roasted garlic. That paired with cilantro and a sweet balsamic reduction made for a winning combo.

When looking for avocados, make sure the skin is dark and that when you give them a gentle squeeze, each one gives a little. This means they are perfectly ripe. If they are too firm, you will find making your guacamole a bit challenging.

Use an inexpensive balsamic vinegar for the balsamic reduction, because you need to use more of it to allow it to concentrate and reduce. Leave your high-quality vinegar for salads and finishing dishes.

Homemade tortilla chips (as opposed to storebought) make it extra special, but they definitely are not a deal breaker.

If you loved my Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction, try some of my other delicious chip dip recipes:

• French Onion Dip
• Hot Crab Dip
• 7 Layer Dip

5 from 2 votes

Print

Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

1 hr

 

Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction is a great, new twist on an old favorite. Perfect for every party or just an afternoon snack.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: guacamole recipe, homemade guacamole

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 418 kcal

Author: Jessica Formicola

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados cubed and remove from skins
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers drained and minced
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 1 tablespoon light extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
• 1 shallot minced
• Cooking Spray
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic Reduction Sauce
• Tortilla Chips for serving

Instructions

1. In a small frying pan coated with cooking spray, saute minced shallots until soft and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Remove garlic pulp from skins and mash with a spoon.
3. Combine minced roasted red peppers, sauteed shallots, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and fine sea salt. Stir until well blended.
4. Transfer to serving dish and drizzle with balsamic reduction sauce. Serve with freshly made tortilla chips.

5. If you've tried this recipe, make sure to come back and let us know how it was! 

Nutrition Facts

Guacamole with Balsamic Reduction

Amount Per Serving

Calories 418 Calories from Fat 324

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 36g 55%

Saturated Fat 5g 25%

Sodium 1080mg 45%

Potassium 1085mg 31%

Total Carbohydrates 25g 8%

Dietary Fiber 14g 56%

Sugars 4g

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 10.1%

Vitamin C 51.3%

Calcium 3.8%

Iron 9.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.