Recipe: Quick and Easy Ceviche
Warmer days mean it's time for cool, refreshing ceviche. What is ceviche?
Ceviche is a Latin American seafood dish, enjoyed in countries such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It's a healthy way to add more fish and veggies to your diet.
Now, there is one thing about ceviche...you won't be cooking the fish, at least not with heat. Don't
turn up your nose just yet! You will be "cooking" it with the acidity of citrus juice, which causes a chemical change in the meat. If you didn't know it was raw, the taste and texture wouldn't spill the beans.
The following recipe will allow you to not only prepare the ceviche itself, but all the homemade fixin's to go with it.
Serves: 2 to 4
Prep time: About 4 hours
Quick and Easy Ceviche
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh tilapia
1 cup lemon or lime juice
2 cans Rotel
3 green onions
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 cup black beans
2 ounces country ham
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
Corn tortillas
Preparation:
1. Wash and sort dry black beans. Place in a crock pot and cover with water. Season with salt and pepper, country ham, and one whole green onion. Cook on high until soft, about 4 hours.
2. Thaw tilapia if frozen. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
3. Place tilapia in a large bowl, and cover with lemon or lime juice (or a mixture of both). Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the fish to "cook" in the juices. Stir at 20 minute intervals to ensure even distribution of lemon juice.
4. Place one can of Rotel, one green onion, half the fresh cilantro, salt and pepper to taste, and a splash of lime juice in the food processor. Blend to desired salsa consistency.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place a corn tortilla in the heated oil. Turn with tongs when the bottom is golden brown. When both sides are browned, remove to a paper towel and allow to drain. This produces a crispy, tostada style shell.
6. Chop remaining green onion and cilantro.
7. Drain juice from tilapia. Drain excess moisture from remaining can of Rotel. Combine fish, Rotel, green onion, and cilantro.
8. Layer black beans, ceviche, and salsa on the tostada shells.
9. Enjoy!
