Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs. white fish
• 1 1/2 lbs. bay scallops
• 2 Tbs. good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 1 sweet white onion (Maui or Vidalia)
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 Tbs. handpicked whole small cilantro leaves
• juice of 5 limes (zest and reserve as garnish)
• juice of 2 lemons
• 3 red grapefruits
• 3 avocados
• salt
• pink peppercorns, coarsely ground
• white corn tortilla chips

Directions

Notes

About ceviche:

The underlying idea of ceviche is that it is a cold soup made by "cooking" seafood in an acidic base (usually lemon or lime juice) as opposed to a heat source. Traditionally it is served as hors d'oeuvre.

Technically speaking, the chemical process that occurs between the citrus and the fish does not actually cook the fish. The acid that penetrates the fish prevents the growth of microorganisms and softens the flesh fibers at the same time. The acidified flesh takes on an opaque appearance and firm texture, but the fish is, for all intents and purposes, closer to raw than cooked. As such, some seafood poses greater safety risks than others when prepared and eaten in this way, especially for people with compromised immune systems or expectant mothers. Ask your fishmonger for safety recommendations and guidelines when selecting fish for your ceviche.

Each country in Latin America has its own version of ceviche, incorporating some or all of the following ingredients depending on region and availability:

Very fresh-caught fish (tuna, squid, swordfish, flounder, red snapper or other white fish)

Citrus juice (lime, lemon, sour orange)

Tomatoes, chili peppers, cilantro, onion, garlic, salt and pepper

Shellfish: shrimp and/or lobster, scallops, oysters are another variation, but they should be partially cooked before including for food safety.

Ceviche is considered the national dish of Peru, where it is served with slices of cold sweet potatoes or corn-on-the-cob.