Guasacaca (Venezuelan Avocado and Herb Sauce)
In short: A cool, creamy green sauce of avocado, cilantro, sweet pepper, garlic and vinegar, spooned over grilled meat, arepas and fried snacks. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 130 kcal
Guasacaca is the green sauce on every Venezuelan grill table. Ripe avocado is blended with bell pepper, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, oil and a splash of vinegar into something between a dip and a dressing: creamy, tangy and fresh. Spoon it over grilled beef and chicken, or use it for tequeños, empanadas, arepas and fried plantain. It takes ten minutes to make and keeps its color best when chilled.
Instructions
- Rinse the cilantro and parsley and dry them well, since extra water thins the sauce. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop out the flesh.
- Put the bell pepper, onion, garlic, herbs, chili if using, oil, vinegar, salt and water in a blender. Blend for 30 to 40 seconds, until the mixture is fine and bright green.
- Add the avocado and blend for 20 to 30 seconds more, until creamy. The sauce should be thick but pourable, so add water a tablespoon at a time if it is too stiff.
- Taste and adjust the salt and vinegar. Scrape into a bowl or jar, press plastic wrap onto the surface and chill for 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Stir and serve cold or at room temperature with grilled meat, arepas, empanadas, tequeños or fried plantain.
Tips
- Blend the herbs and vegetables first and add the avocado at the end, which keeps the sauce creamy and the color bright. Use one seeded chili for gentle heat, or leave it out for a mild, herby sauce.
- To keep the green color, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, or pour a thin film of oil on top, and use the sauce within 2 days. A squeeze of extra lime also helps.
Questions and answers
What is guasacaca served with?
It goes with grilled beef, pork and chicken, and with arepas, empanadas, tequeños, fried plantain and cassava. It also works as a sandwich spread.
Is guasacaca the same as guacamole?
No. Guasacaca is a blended, pourable sauce with herbs, bell pepper and vinegar. Guacamole is a chunkier mash of avocado with tomato, onion and lime.
How long does guasacaca keep?
Up to 2 days in a covered jar in the fridge. The top may darken slightly, so stir before serving. It does not freeze well.
How long does it take to make Guasacaca (Venezuelan Avocado and Herb Sauce)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Guasacaca (Venezuelan Avocado and Herb Sauce)?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
