Avocados are a staple in our house, and they often find their way into guacamole. I've been making guacamole this way for a long time, so while it is my basic go-to guacamole recipe, we also regard it as the ultimate guacamole recipe because it's just so darn good and we wouldn't dream of having it any other way.

There are two simple but key secrets to this guacamole. The first is to use a combination of smoky spices along with bright lime and fresh cilantro to contrast and cut through the buttery richness of the avocado. The second is to mash the avocado together with the onion, garlic, chili, and cilantro so these aromatics break down and their flavorful juices are given a chance to absorb into the avocado.

This is probably one of the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dips I know. Serve it with your favorite chips or these root veggie chips (sweet potato and beet chips, pictured) and you have the perfect appetizer or snack.

The Ultimate Guacamole
Serves 4-6

2 medium, ripe (but not too soft) avocados
1 small red onion, minced (~5 Tbsp.)
2 clove garlic, minced*
1/2 red chili (or jalapeno), minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1 1/4 tsp. chili powder
1/2 small bunch cilantro (leaves + tender stems), chopped (~1/4 cup)
Juice from 1/2 - 3/4 juicy lime
1/2 tsp. salt

Halve avocado, remove pit, and peel skin away. Cut into chunks and add to a medium mixing bowl along with the remaining ingredients.
Use a fork to mash avocado and other ingredients together until you've reached your desired consistency. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
Serve immediately with your favorite chips or these root veggie chips.

* Mince garlic using a garlic press or by making a paste (chop garlic, sprinkle over some salt and smash salt and garlic together with the back of your knife until a paste forms). Either of these techniques ensure garlic will be evenly distributed throughout guacamole and nobody will bite down on a big piece of raw garlic.