Monday, April 21, 2014

Barrio Guacamole


Yesterday was Easter and my sister so kindly brought me over an avocado. We both enjoy them immensely and could probably eat then almost every day. Deciding what to do with this luscious green thing was no problem. Cinco De Mayo is a much celebrated holiday here in Arizona and in the southwest and we always celebrate the holiday with this dip.

This recipe is from the Barrio Cafe a popular restaurant that is located somewhat close to downtown Phoenix. The food served there is not the typical Sonoran style Mexican fare that you typically find around town. One of the owner's of Barrio, and it's head chef is Silvana Esparza. Using her culinary training she takes you around the various cuisines unique to the different regions of Mexico. There is no rice or beans on the menu and they make this wonderful chunky guacamole table-side. There are seven ingredients in this dip that are folded gently together and one (of all things) is pomegranate seeds. It's the burst of flavor from this little seed that sends this dip into another category all by itself. Enjoy with a bag of chips or use as a garnish.

Recipe has been slightly adapted from the video posted on line by 3TV and Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza.

Ingredients:

1 avocado
1 heaping tablespoon tomatoes (diced)
1 heaping tablespoon red onion (diced)
1 heaping tablespoon jalapeno (seeded and diced)
1 heaping tablespoon cilantro (diced)
Salt to taste
Juice from 1/2 lime (I used juice from 1 whole lime)
1 heaping tablespoon pomegranate seeds
1 heaping tablespoon roasted unsalted sunflower seeds (my addition)


To prepare:

Dice avocado into small chunks while in it's shell, using a large spoon scoop out into a medium-size bowl. The trick is to not bruise the avocado, keeping it intact as much as possible. Add tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. *In the video she says to add salt before the lime juice, because the lime makes it harder for the salt flavor to come out.*.



Squeeze fresh lime juice over mixture. Fold together gently, add pomegranate and sunflower seeds. Toss carefully. Serve immediately.



Cheri Savory Spoon
Cheri Savory Spoon

Mysavoryspoon was first started in 2010 as a way to journal recipes that I had collected from cookbooks, magazines, family and friends. Most everything was savory, using legumes and whole grains. Along the way I discovered a love for baking. Now a couple times a month you might see some type of sweet pie or treat.

53 comments:

  1. This looks wonderful! I love all the ingredients and know that those pom seeds must just take it over the top!!

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  2. Guacamole is one of my most favorite things! I've never used these additional ingredients before though -- sounds intriguing!

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    1. Hi Amy, it is different, but in a really good way.

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    2. I cannot wait for avocados to be in season so that I can try this :)

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    3. Thanks Tandy, wondering what time of year that is for you?

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  3. This is great with the pomegranate seeds and I really like the color aspect of it too! I love cinco de mayo, it gives me another reason to cook Mexican food for dinner!

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    1. Thanks, I do too, love all the different types of spices.

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  4. There was a Barrio located in Minneapolis when I lived there and I MISSSSS their guac. Yay for a version I can make at home!!

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    1. Thanks Erin, fresh homemade guacamole is the best.

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  5. I love all those fresh veggies, this guacamole looks great!

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  6. I love guacamole, too! We just recently had it made tableside for the first time at a restaurant here called "The Mission". It was so good. Your recipe sounds and looks delicious. What an interesting idea to put pomegranate seeds in it. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

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    1. Hi Shari, is the Mission in Scottsdale? if so, we have been wanting to try that restaurant, sounds great. I'm located in Phoenix.

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  7. This is my all time favourite! Love those blue chips too.

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  8. This looks so fresh and healthy! I really envy you all over there in the USA for your wonderful Mexican food. Thanks so much for this recipe and the tip about the lime and salt. Love those black tortilla chips!

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    1. Thanks Helen, we do have some pretty good Mexican food here in AZ as it is so close to the border.

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  9. Colorful and scrumptious! I love guacamole.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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    1. Thanks Rosa, guacamole is great pretty much any way.

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  10. I always mash my guacamole but this looks so much fresher, I have to try it. GG

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    1. Hi GG, we do to, but at this particular place they leave it as un-bruised as possible. Thanks!

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  11. Jacques and I eat 1/2 an avocado each day.Cheri I love the pom addition..I am certain to make this one day for family..Pinning:)Thanks!

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  12. Hi Cheri, I'am Chantal from Travelling Papilles, I just discover your nice blog and really it and the recipes.
    I'am fond of Guacamole and your look so good!
    The pomegranate addition is really original.
    Chantal

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    1. Thanks Chantal, appreciate the lovely comment. Thanks for stopping by.

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  13. I bet the pomegranates and sunflower seeds give this great crunch and flavor. Yum!

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    1. Thanks Natalie, yes love the flavor added from them both!

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  14. Thank you for giving us this recipe! I love guacamole and will try your version as it looks so good. Love the addition of pomegranate and sunflower seeds. So happy to have discovered your blog! I will now be a regular visitor.

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    1. Thank you Sunday, hope you enjoy this version, the pomegranate seeds bring such a burst of flavor to this. Appreciate your comment and enjoy your visit!

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  15. Looks wonderful. I must try this...and the restaurant!

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    1. Thanks Dena, the restaurant is very unique. If your ever in this neck of the woods, this would be a great place to try.

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  16. I love the Barrio Café guacamole and their chiles en nogada, too! Haven't been there for about a year and I think it is time for another visit! Thanks for sharing this recipe, Cheri! ~ David

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    1. Thanks David, yes there food is amazing, btw have you been to the Barrioqueen in Scottsdale? we have not yet but heard great things about it.

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    2. I just heard about the Barrio Queen this week - definitely worth a visit, I think. (I am sure my brother in Scottsdale will be much happier eating there than having actually to drive to the Barrio to meet me for brunch!)

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  17. Great recipe, I haven't tried pomegranates in guacamole before I will definitely give this a try.

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  18. Oh, I love this, Cheri. A recipe with all whole foods and bursting with flavour! Pomegranate! Genius! Thanks for sharing this. This will be a regular for my summer lunches with the girls.

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    1. Thanks Robyn, sounds like you have some pretty special lunches coming up!

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  19. Sounds like a wonderful restaurant and a great, unusual, guacamole recipe. Great use of avocado.

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  20. I would very much like this one! On that blue chips...it looks so delicious! :) ela@GrayApron

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  21. I would like this guac so much better than the plain Jane kind I usually eat. The pom seed addition is so fun!

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  22. Looks so yummy Cheri, and I love the addition of Pomegranite seeds!

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    1. Thanks Sweetphi, those little seeds sure pack a lot of flavor.

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  23. Avocados are big here in CA too! I love how this dip looks and love that you included pom seeds!!! Great idea.

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    1. Hi Susan, we used to live in Vista and Rancho Bernardo in CA and we would get the best avocados there.

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  24. Your addition of sunflower seeds is an idea I am going to try with my next bowl of guacamole. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks Holly, the seeds give it a little more texture. Thanks for stopping by.

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