Guacamole with Bacon, Grilled Ramps (or spring onions) and Roasted Tomatillos

Ingredients for Guacamole with Bacon, Grilled Ramps (or spring onions) and Roasted Tomatillos

• 4 medium (about 230g total) tomatillos, husked, rinsed and cut in half crosswise

• 4 ramps (wild spring leeks) or large spring onions OR a 1-inch-diameter bunch of garlic chives

• A little olive or vegetable oil

• 1 large fresh serrano or small fresh jalapeño, stemmed

• 4 thick slices (about 110g ) bacon

• 3 ripe medium-large avocados

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• About 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander, plus extra leaves for garnish

• Salt

How to make Guacamole with Bacon, Grilled Ramps (or spring onions) and Roasted Tomatillos

Heat a gas grill to medium or light a charcoal grill and let it burn until the coals are medium-hot and covered with gray ash. Lay the halved tomatillos cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet or metal baking pan and slide onto the grill. Brush the ramps (or spring onions or garlic chives) with oil. Lay them directly on the grill, along with the chilli (no oil needed). Grill the ramps (or their stand-ins) and the chilli, turning occasionally, until soft and richly browned-the ramps will take 4 to 5 minutes, the chilli about 10.

Cook the tomatillos about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft and browned on one side, then flip them over and cook the other side. Cool everything. Finely chop the ramps (etc.) and chilli, then scrape into a large bowl. Chop the tomatillo into small pieces and scrape them in with the ramps, then scrape in any juice that remains on the baking sheet.

While the grilled vegetables are cooling, cook the bacon in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat, turning every once in a while, until browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.

Cut the avocados in half, running a knife around the pit from top to bottom and back up again. Twist the halves in opposite directions to release the pit from one side of each avocado. Remove the pit, then scoop the flesh from each half into the bowl with the tomatillos. With an old-fashioned potato masher, a large fork or the back of a large spoon, coarsely mash the avocado with the tomatillo mixture. Stir in the lime juice, coriander and half of the bacon. Taste and season with salt, usually about 1 teaspoon . Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface of the guacamole and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

When that time comes, scrape the guacamole into a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining bacon. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.