Cuisine : Ceviche - how to prepare this item
Ceviche is a popular dish in many Latin American countries, and it typically consists of fresh seafood (like fish or shrimp) or even vegetables, marinated in citrus juices, primarily lime or lemon, which "cook" the ingredients through the acid. Here's a basic recipe for making a classic Peruvian-style fish ceviche:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh white fish (such as tilapia or sea bass), diced into small pieces
- 4-5 limes, juiced (enough to cover the fish)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 fresh chili peppers (aji amarillo or jalapeƱo), finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn kernels (optional for garnish)
- Sweet potato slices (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a glass or non-reactive bowl, place the diced fish and cover it with the freshly squeezed lime juice. Make sure the fish is completely submerged in the juice. This is what "cooks" the fish by denaturing the proteins.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and gently stir. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. The fish should turn opaque.
3. While the fish is marinating, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the red onion thinly and soak it in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to reduce its pungency. Drain and set it aside.
4. After the fish has marinated, drain off most of the lime juice. You can leave a bit for flavor.
5. Add the chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro to the fish. Gently stir to combine.
6. Taste the ceviche and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve the ceviche in individual dishes, garnished with slices of sweet potato and corn kernels if you like. The sweet potato provides a nice balance to the acidity of the ceviche.
Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh and is a great appetizer or light meal, especially on a hot day. You can customize it by adding ingredients like avocado, tomato, or additional spices to suit your taste.
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