Health Tips - Pepi's Ceviche
Ceviche is the national dish of Peru. It is a particular favorite in hot countries, where food spoilage is an issue. The citric acid from the lime or lemon juice, with its very acidic pH, breaks down the cell membranes of bacteria, similar to the effects of heating. Other spices are used in this dish as well for their delicious and antibacterial activity: onion, pepper, and oregano. The jalapeno seeds are an excellent parasite remedy!
This recipe is low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Makes over 4 cups.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime and/or lemon juice. I prefer 50/50 lime & lemon.
1 pound skinless fish fillet, scallops, or raw cleaned shrimp, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh tomato, chopped into bite-size cubes
1/2 large jalapeno, finely minced. Do not take out the seeds as these are an excellent parasite remedy.
1/3 cup or more fresh cilantro without thick stems
2 tablespoons organic olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons seasalt to taste
Optional
1/8 cup fresh mint leaves, finely minced
6 fresh oregano leaves, finely minced
1 fresh basil leaf, finely minced
1 large jícama, peeled and sliced into large, 1/4 inch chip-like shapes
Directions
- In a glass bowl, cover the fish with lime/lemon juice and put in the refrigerator. The acidity of the juice "cold-cooks" the fish. The longer it sits in the juice, the more it cooks. Thirty minutes of soaking at this stage produces fish that is medium rare and juicy by the end of this process.
- While the fish is in the refrigerator, mix these other ingredients in a separate glass bowl: red onion, tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, olive oil, sea salt. If you have them available, try adding the mint, oregano and basil for a fantastic flavor!
- After the fish has soaked for a minimum of 30 minutes, drain off 80% of the lime/lemon juice.
- Mix both bowls together to marinate and chill for at least 20 minutes.
- Serve in individual bowls surrounded by jícama slices for dipping.
Try each of my other recipes to improve your health.
Create your own variations and eat up!
Dr. Anita Mary Pepi DC
May 11, 2010