Most guacamole recipes are the same. Avocado, lime, salt. This one is different because of two things: grilled limes and sumac. Three ripe avocados mashed with salsa or pico de gallo, minced shallot, the juice of a grilled lime, a teaspoon of sumac, salt, and pepper. This is the guacamole we make every time we light the grill in late spring and early summer — and it disappears every time.
Grilling the lime before squeezing it changes the flavour entirely. The heat caramelises the sugars in the juice and softens the acidity, so the guacamole tastes rounder and less sharp. The sumac is tart and slightly floral, a Middle Eastern spice you would not expect in guacamole but that belongs there once you taste it.
Tips for Making Guacamole with Grilled Limes
Grill the lime until charred
Cut the lime in half and place it cut-side down on a medium-high grill. Let it sit without moving for two to three minutes until dark grill marks appear. 
The charring caramelises the juice inside. Squeeze it while still warm for the most juice. A charred lime yields more liquid than a raw one.
Use a shallot instead of raw onion
Shallots are milder and sweeter than white or red onion. One small shallot, minced fine, distributes evenly without overpowering the avocado.
If you only have onion, soak the minced pieces in cold water for five minutes to soften the bite before adding to the guacamole.
The Ultimate Guacamole with Grilled Limes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Fun ingredients like sumac and grilled limes make this guacamole special and super addictive.
Ingredients
- 3 avocados, ripe + mashed
- 1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 lime, grilled and juiced
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mash the ripe avocados in a bowl.
- Add the salsa or pico de gallo and minced shallot to the mashed avocados.
- Grill the lime until slightly charred, then juice it into the avocado mixture.
- Stir in the sumac, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together until well combined and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sumac?
A Middle Eastern spice made from dried and ground sumac berries. It is tart, slightly fruity, and a deep red colour. Find it in the spice aisle or at Middle Eastern grocery stores. One teaspoon is enough for three avocados.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh grilled lime juice is the point of this recipe. Bottled juice cannot be grilled and lacks the caramelised sweetness. If you must substitute, fresh lime juice is better than bottled.
What salsa should I use?
Any fresh salsa or pico de gallo. A quarter cup mixed into the mashed avocado adds tomato, onion, and chili without having to chop each ingredient separately.
