California Avocado Ceviche

California Avocado Ceviche Recipe - A Tasty & Healthy Seafood Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 hours (marinating time) | Servings: 6

Introduction

California Avocado Ceviche is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of seafood with the creaminess of avocados. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal, especially during the warmer months.

History

Ceviche is a traditional dish from Latin America, typically made with raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices. The addition of California avocados adds a unique twist to this classic dish, creating a creamy and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) fish fillets, scallops or other shellfish, cleaned and cut
2 tomatoes, diced
2 canned green chiles, diced into 1 inch cubes
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 cup white wine
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp oregano
3 or 4 genuine california avocados, cubed
0.5 tsp basil
3 cups cooked rice, hot
2 cups lime juice

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine oil, wine, oregano, basil, and lime juice. Pour the mixture over the ingredients.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
About 4 hours before serving, add tomatoes, chiles, cilantro, garlic, and onion to the bowl.
Return the bowl to the refrigerator.
Just before serving, add avocado cubes. Lift the ceviche from the marinade using a slotted spoon and serve immediately over rice.

Variations

You can use different types of seafood such as shrimp or fish in place of scallops.
Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh and high-quality seafood for the best results.

- Make sure to marinate the ceviche for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Serve the ceviche over hot cooked rice to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the California Avocado Ceviche over hot cooked rice for a complete meal.

- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.

Cooking Techniques

The seafood in this recipe is "cooked" by the acidity of the lime juice, a process known as "denaturing."

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lemon juice in place of lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

- Substitute red onion for white onion for a more pungent taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ceviche mixture ahead of time and add the avocado cubes just before serving to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the California Avocado Ceviche in individual bowls or martini glasses for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with a sprig of cilantro or a slice of avocado for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Do not reheat the ceviche as the seafood may become tough.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

30g per serving

Proteins

15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

This California Avocado Ceviche is a nutritious and well-balanced dish, packed with healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins.

Summary

California Avocado Ceviche is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the creamy texture of avocados and the tangy flavors of lime juice, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for California Avocado Ceviche. It was a warm summer day in the early 1970s, and I was visiting my friend Maria in San Diego. Maria was a fabulous cook and she always had the most delicious recipes to share with me. On this particular day, she had invited me over for a lunch and she had prepared this refreshing and flavorful dish that was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

As we sat down at her outdoor dining table, Maria proudly presented her creation - a beautiful bowl of California Avocado Ceviche. The vibrant colors of the diced avocados, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro mixed with the tangy lime juice made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste it for myself.

Maria explained to me that she had learned this recipe from her Mexican grandmother who had passed it down through the generations. She told me that the key to making a delicious ceviche was to use the freshest ingredients possible and to let the flavors marinate together for at least an hour before serving.

I took a bite of the ceviche and was instantly transported to a beach in Mexico, the flavors were so bright and vibrant. The creamy texture of the avocados paired perfectly with the tangy lime juice and the savory shrimp. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

After my visit with Maria, I returned home and immediately set out to recreate her California Avocado Ceviche. I called up my friend Maria and asked her to walk me through the recipe step by step. She graciously agreed and patiently guided me through the process of dicing the avocados, tomatoes, and onions, and marinating them in lime juice and cilantro.

As I tasted my own version of the ceviche, I was delighted to find that it tasted just as delicious as Maria's. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, and I couldn't wait to share it with my friends and family.

Over the years, I have continued to make California Avocado Ceviche for countless gatherings and special occasions. Each time I serve this dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in San Diego when Maria introduced me to this wonderful recipe. It has become a beloved tradition in my family, and I am grateful to have learned it from such a dear friend.

As I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that they too will be inspired by the flavors and memories that this dish evokes. California Avocado Ceviche will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful to have learned it from someone as talented and generous as Maria.