Mexican

For this version, make a basic tomatillo salsa, then puree it with avocado. This recipe makes extra salsa you can serve on its own along with tortilla chips. The salsa’s acidity preserves the color of guacamole; it can be refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 1 day.

This classic Mexican sauce is often used in enchiladas or served with tamales.

This recipe was inspired by the tableside version prepared at Rosa Mexicano in New York City. To ripen hard avocados, leave them in a closed paper bag at room temperature for a few days.

This piquant salsa should be prepared at least a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Be sure your kitchen is well ventilated when you soak the New Mexican and guajillo chiles; their vapors can be a mild irritant.

You can use shredded Monterey Jack cheese in place of the cotija and queso blanco. Other wild mushrooms, such as shiitakes, can be substituted for the porcini.

The most time-consuming step is making the coconut curls; in a pinch, you can use store-bought shaved coconut.

Set out the sour cream, cheese, and corn, and let each person fix his own.

To tone down the sauce for little mouths, omit some of the chiles.

These can be made up to 1 day ahead or frozen up to 1 month ahead. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Make the chile-lime marinade the day before, and let the pork marinate overnight before cooking.

This lively guacamole can also be served as a dip with tortilla chips. If you want to make it a day ahead, be sure to press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.

Cilantro’s pungent fragrance partners well with fruity tomatillos in a lively pesto. The mixture offsets the spiciness of the cumin and jalapeño in this delectable soup.