Kathlyn of Bake Like a Ninja was our Daring Cooks’ March 2011 hostess. Kathlyn challenges us to make two classic Peruvian dishes: Ceviche de Pescado from “Peruvian Cooking – Basic Recipes” by Annik Franco Barreau. And Papas Rellenas adapted from a home recipe by Kathlyn’s Spanish teacher, Mayra.
Wow I am a lazy girl and took the easy but also low fat free road on this challenge. Trying to be really good about what goes in my mouth at the moment and as delicious as the papas rellenas looked in all their deep fried goodness I went for the fresh and healthy ceviche.
Ceviche is believed to have originated in Peru nearly 500 years ago. It is believed that the original dish used the fermented juice of the banana passionfruit and then during the Inca period they started using chicha. It was with the arrival of the Spanish that the locals switched to using citrus juice.
In the past I have only ever identified and eaten this style of dish with various Islands in the Pacific. In Hawaii it is called poke and in Fiji it is called kokoda, but there are so many versions around the region.
Normally it is made using a white fleshed fish, but I decided to try it out with salmon. I chose a sashimi grade for the challenge. This to be honest isn't necessary, but it is important to buy the freshest fish you possibly can.
The freshness of your fish is of key importance for making ceviche. If you are not familiar with ceviche you actually "cook" your dish using the citrus juice, either lemon or lime. The acid from the citrus juice causes the breakdown of the proteins in the fish and "cooks" it.
Sexy Salmon Ceviche
Ingredients
- 500 grams salmon
- 1 garlic clove - crushed
- 1 red chili - finely chopped
- 125 ml ½ cup lime juice - freshly squeezed
- 4 teaspoons 1 tablespoon corriander - finely chopped
- ½ red onion - finely sliced
- salt & pepper - to taste
- baby cos lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Wash and slice your salmon. Place in a shallow ceramic or glass dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine juice, chili, garlic and corriander and pour over your salmon. Stir the fish to ensure it is completely coated with the juice mixture.
- Place the sliced red onion on top of your fish while it “cooks”.
- Let your fish “cook” for an hour. You can leave it for as little as 10 minutes if you are in a hurry.
- Wash and trim your baby cos lettuce leaves and place on a platter. Drain the salmon mixture and place on top of your leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Having eaten ceviche before I knew that for me a little goes a long way. I enjoy it, but could never sit down to a big plate. I decided to only prepare half the amount of fish in Kathlyn's recipe and served it on baby cos lettuce leaves as an appetiser.
Such an easy dish to prepare and very healthy.
Sara
Hi Julie, it really isn't difficult at all, just make sure you use the freshest possible ingredients
Hi Shez, thank you, it didn't turn out half bad
shez
Ohmygoodness look at your plate! It's absolutely gorgeous - like an abalone shell holding your sexy ceviche. (Love the name by the way).
Julie
Been wanting to make ceviche for sometime now 🙂 you make it look easy!
Sara
Hi Ellie, thank you, I think we need more sexy food in our lives.
Hi Angie, I quite enjoy sashimi, ceviche for me is a little different, don't ask me why.
Hi Gaby, I have had it numerous times with white fish, this time I wanted to experiment. Totally agree with you white fish is the best.
Hi MD, I would say tangier
Hi Lorraine, hehe thank you
Hi Helen, Awesomeness Alliteration
Helen (grabyourfork)
Alliteration is also sexy. lol.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
Haha how could you go past a dish with a name like that? 😛
mademoiselle délicieuse
Love the texture of ceviche where it's kind of like poached fish but perhaps creamier? Definitely easy to make and a lovely starter for entertaining.
Gaby
Glad you gave it a go. A tip from a local: white fish is best for cebiche.
angie
Though I can't see it I am sure you did a fab job for the challenge 😉
I'm the same with sashimi, just a little bit to enjoy the freshness but any more and I'll feel like gagging a bit.
Ellie (Almost Bourdain)
I like sexy food! Very nicely done 🙂