Chef John's Classic Guacamole

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh serrano chili
• 0.5 cups chopped fresh cilantro , divided
• 0.25 cups finely diced white onion
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt for grinding vegetables , plus more to taste
• 4 large Hass avocados
• 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes , Optional
• 1 lime , juiced, or more to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Place minced peppers, 1/4 cup of the chopped cilantro, and the diced onions on a cutting board. Chop them together into very small pieces. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Using the flat side of the knife blade, smear the mixture to work it into a paste, and chop again to achieve as fine a texture as possible.

2. 2

   Stem, halve, and pit the avocados. Scoop out flesh and place in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, onion and serrano mixture, salt, and fresh lime juice. Mash with a potato masher to desired texture (smooth or chunky), 5 or 6 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate.