Crunchy Corn Guacamole

LI's Crunchy Corn Guacamole

Here's a new twist on the traditional guacamole (which you can find in the form of the first variation). The fresh corn kernels add texture and flavor without taking away from that of the avocado.

Serves 4 Time: 15 minutes Ingredients

• 1 lime
• 1 cup corn kernels, preferably just stripped from the cobs, but thawed frozen is acceptable
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion
• 1 serrano or jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley +/or basil leaves [cilantro is gross]
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped toasted pumpkin seeds
• 3 medium ripe avocados, preferably Hass
• salt

1. Grate the lime zest (or use a zester to make long strands) and reserve; cut the lime into wedges. Put the lime zest, corn, and garlic in a food processor; squeeze in half of the lime wedges and pulse to make a chunky purée.

2. Put the corn mixture along with the scallion, chile, and a large pinch of salt into a medium bowl and mash until the mixture is well combined. Add the cilantro and pumpkin seeds and mash a few more times.

3. Cut the avocados in half and reserve the pits if you will not be serving the guacamole right away. Scoop the flesh into the bowl and mash, leaving a few chunks of avocado. Squeeze in lime juice from the reserved lime wedges to taste.

4. Season with salt to taste and serve or tuck the pits back into the mixture and cover the surface with plastic wrap (this will help keep the guacamole from turning brown), then refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Remove the pits before serving.