Thursday, June 7, 2012

Mango Halibut Ceviche


Summer is just around the corner - time for slowing down a little, barbecues and impromptu cocktails with the neighbors.  I am filled with anticipation at this time of year!  The kids’ school is in the home stretch, our neighborhood berry stand sets up, the pool opens and summer plans begin to form.  It is a happy time indeed!


Ceviche evokes summer for me.  It makes an ideal meal for a stifling hot evening when you don’t want to turn on the oven, and is perfect for nibbling on while chatting in the backyard on a lazy afternoon, gin and tonic or cold beer in hand.


I first made this version with mango and halibut last summer, just before saying farewell to our Saudi exchange student, Mohammad, who lived with us all year.  He had never eaten ceviche before so we enjoyed it as a light lunch.  Ceviche is quick to prepare.  While the fish “cooks” in lime juice, you chop up mangoes, cherry tomatoes, parsley, avocadoes, jalapeno peppers and bell peppers to mix in.  I love the vibrant colors and crisp and creamy textures.  The heat of chili peppers combines with sweet mango and sour lime – makes your taste buds tingle!


Now, if the sun would just return to Seattle we’d really believe summer is on its way.  In the meantime, I am very excited to be attending the BlogHer Food ’12 conference here in Seattle tomorrow!  I can’t wait to share with you about it next week.  And  I’m happy to say I’ll sneak in some warm weather this weekend with a quick visit to Santa Barbara for my brother-in-law’s birthday celebration...I’ll try to bring some sunshine home with me!


Mango Halibut Ceviche
Serves 4 as a light meal or 8 as an appetizer

1 pound fresh halibut fillet or halibut cheeks, cut in 1/2 inch dice
3/4 cup lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
2 cups mangoes, diced
10 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 orange bell pepper, finely diced
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 jalapeno or serrano chili pepper, finely diced (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
Tortilla chips for serving

Combine the halibut and lime juice in a medium sized bowl and stir gently. Chill for half an hour to allow the lime juice to "cook" the fish.

Add the rest of the ingredients (except the tortilla chips) and stir gently. Taste for salt. Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips and an icy beer.



18 comments:

  1. This sounds AND looks absolutely delicious! My kiddos are away for the night and I was wondering what to whip up for a light dinner for my husband and I... off to the fish market I go!

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    1. Thank you, Karen! I hope you enjoy both the ceviche and your date night!

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  2. ceviche is one of my favorites! we made a great ceviche when we were in Cabo for our wedding..brings back great memories!

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    1. Oh wow, Cabo for your wedding...I'm sure your ceviche was fresh and delicious. What a perfect spot to enjoy it!

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  3. Hey! I'll be at Blogher Food too, I'll keep an eye out for you!

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    1. This will be fun - looking forward to seeing you!

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  4. I'm so jealous you're at BlogHer! I wanted to go so bad, but I had to go out of town. (Ironic, I know!) I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts and reviews. This ceviche looks amazing. It would go perfectly with a cold beer, but we do need sun! Where did it go?

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    1. Thank you, Mikaela! Yes, still need the sun here...although happily yesterday was a cold beer and ceviche kind of day.

      BlogHer was terrific - I hope I can go again next year (it'll be in Austin). Will you be at Foodportunity? I hope to see you!

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  5. Your writing is very good, very easy to find my core advice that you convey, thank you

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  6. Interested to hear about Blogher. I'm never sure if it's worth it for me to go to one of those... The Ceviche is beautiful. As for Summer arriving. I am severely impatiently waiting...

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    1. Thank you, Brooke! Looks like we'll have to be impatient for summer a bit longer...I had high hopes yesterday, though. I enjoyed BlogHer immensely so would definitely recommend going if you ever have the chance.

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  7. Ceviche is so refreshing & love all these flavours, not to mention all those fantastic bright colours. Have an amazing time at Blogher....so hope to make it some day!

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    1. Thank you, Mairi - I had a terrific time at BlogHer! I hope you have the opportunity to attend sometime. It was such good fortune to have it here in Seattle this time.

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  8. Ohhh theres a lot of happening in that plate, looks so yummy.

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    1. Thank you, Raymund! I appreciate you stopping by. :)

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  9. So lovely to meet you this weekend at BlogHer! Hope your trip went smoothly and look forward to seeing you again soon.

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    1. Happy to meet you, too, Erina! I hope our paths cross again soon. Have fun in Boulder - we were just there visiting and loved it.

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