Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of Costa Rica, where the sun-kissed beaches meet the rich biodiversity of its rainforests, and the cuisine is as colorful and diverse as the landscapes themselves. One dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Costa Rican gastronomy is ceviche – a tantalizing blend of fresh seafood, zesty citrus juices, and a medley of herbs and spices. Originating from the coastal regions of Central and South America, ceviche has become a beloved delicacy worldwide, celebrated for its lightness, bright flavors, and effortless elegance.

In this recipe, we invite you on a culinary journey to recreate the magic of Costa Rican ceviche in your own kitchen. With its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and simple yet bold flavors, this dish captures the essence of tropical paradise in every bite. Whether you're hosting a summer soirée, craving a taste of the tropics, or simply seeking a refreshing and nutritious meal, this authentic Costa Rican ceviche recipe is sure to delight your senses and transport you to the sunny shores of Pura Vida. So grab your apron and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure filled with sunshine, flavor, and pure bliss. Let's dive in!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh fish fillets (such as sea bass, snapper, or tilapia), cut into small cubes
• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and diced
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8-10 limes)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Avocado slices, for garnish (optional)
• Tortilla chips or plantain chips, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Seafood:

1- If using fish fillets, make sure they are fresh and deboned. Cut the fillets into small, bite-sized cubes.

2- Peel, devein, and dice the shrimp into similar-sized pieces as the fish.

Marinate the Seafood:

1- In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the fish and shrimp.

2- Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the seafood, making sure it is completely submerged.

3- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The acid from the lime juice will "cook" the seafood, turning it opaque.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1- Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the red and green bell peppers, jalapeño pepper (if using), and tomatoes.

2- Finely chop the fresh cilantro and mince the garlic cloves.

Assemble the Ceviche:

1- After the seafood has marinated, drain off most of the lime juice, leaving just a small amount to keep the ceviche moist.

2- Add the sliced red onion, diced bell peppers, jalapeño (if using), tomatoes, garlic, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the seafood.

3- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil for added richness.

Mix and Chill:

1- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.

2- Cover the bowl again with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

1- Once chilled, give the ceviche a final stir.

2- Serve the Costa Rican ceviche cold, garnished with avocado slices if desired, alongside tortilla chips or plantain chips for scooping up the delicious mixture.

Enjoy your refreshing taste of Costa Rica with this vibrant and flavorful ceviche recipe! Pura Vida!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Fresh Fish Fillets (sea bass, snapper, or tilapia):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich source of protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for heart health and brain function.

Fresh Shrimp:

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories and fat but high in protein.
• Contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, which may promote skin health and reduce inflammation.

Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice (1 cup, about 8-10 limes):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
• Provides antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Red Onion:

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Red Bell Pepper:

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which may help boost immunity and protect against chronic diseases.
• Provides vitamin A for healthy vision and skin.

Green Bell Pepper:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.

Jalapeño Pepper (optional):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which has been linked to improved metabolism and appetite control.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and provide pain relief.

Fresh Cilantro:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may have antimicrobial properties.
• Helps to detoxify the body and support healthy digestion.

Tomatoes:

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and protect against heart disease.
• Good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium.

Garlic:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, including antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber.

benefits:

• Salt provides essential electrolytes like sodium and chloride, necessary for nerve and muscle function.
• Pepper contains piperine, which may enhance the absorption of nutrients and have antioxidant properties.

Olive Oil (optional, 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
• Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage and promote overall health.

Avocado Slices (optional, for garnish):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in healthy fats, including oleic acid, which may reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Provides fiber and essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin K, and folate.

Tortilla Chips or Plantain Chips (for serving):

• Nutritional values vary widely depending on brand and serving size. Typically, a serving of tortilla chips (1 ounce) contains around 140 calories, 2g of protein, 7g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber.

benefits:

• Provide carbohydrates for energy.
• May contain some fiber and essential minerals depending on the type and brand.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as the specific type and size of the ingredients used.