Transport yourself to the sun-kissed shores of Cape Verde with this tantalizing Tuna Ceviche recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors and influenced by the rich culinary heritage of this archipelago nation, Cape Verde Tuna Ceviche is a celebration of fresh seafood and zesty seasonings. With its blend of tangy lime juice, crisp vegetables, and succulent chunks of tuna, this dish offers a refreshing taste of island life in every bite. Whether you're seeking a light appetizer for a summer soirée or a satisfying main course for a tropical-inspired feast, this recipe promises to whisk your taste buds away on a flavorful journey to Cape Verde.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh tuna, diced into small cubes
• 4-5 limes, juiced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Tortilla chips or lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions:

1- In a non-metallic bowl, place the diced tuna and pour the lime juice over it. Make sure the tuna is completely submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the tuna to marinate and "cook" in the lime juice. Stir occasionally to ensure even marination.

2- While the tuna is marinating, prepare the other ingredients. Finely chop the red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, parsley, and jalapeño pepper if using. Place them all in a separate bowl and set aside.

3- After the tuna has marinated, remove it from the fridge and drain off most of the lime juice. Leave just enough to keep the ceviche moist.

4- Add the chopped vegetables and herbs to the marinated tuna. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss everything together until well combined.

5- Season the ceviche with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

6- Allow the ceviche to sit for another 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.

7- When ready to serve, spoon the Cape Verde Tuna Ceviche onto a platter lined with lettuce leaves or alongside tortilla chips. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

8- Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish immediately as an appetizer or light meal, and savor the taste of Cape Verde right at your table!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cape Verde Tuna Ceviche recipe:

1 lb fresh tuna:

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 104g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins.

4-5 limes, juiced:

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

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin.
• Contains antioxidants that may help protect against certain chronic diseases.
• Citric acid in limes aids in digestion and may prevent kidney stones.

1 small red onion:

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

benefits:

• Good source of antioxidants, including quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
• Contains fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Provides vitamins C and B6, as well as folate, which are important for overall health.

1 bell pepper (any color):

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

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production for healthy skin.
• Contains vitamin A, promoting eye health and vision.
• Provides antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

1/4 cup fresh cilantro:

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

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease and promote overall health.
• Has antimicrobial properties, potentially helping to fight infections and promote gut health.
• Adds flavor without adding calories, making it a healthy seasoning choice.

1/4 cup fresh parsley:

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

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin K, important for bone health and blood clotting.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Provides vitamins A and C, as well as folate, supporting overall health and immunity.

1 jalapeño pepper (optional):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Has antibacterial properties that may help fight infections and promote gut health.
• Provides vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, supporting overall health.

2 tablespoons olive oil:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels.
• Contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, protecting cells from damage and promoting skin health.
• Provides anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Tortilla chips or lettuce leaves (for serving):

• Nutritional values depend on the specific brand and type of tortilla chips used, or the type of lettuce leaves. It's recommended to check the packaging for accurate nutritional information.

benefits:

• Tortilla chips: Provide carbohydrates for energy and can be a source of fiber if whole grain.
• Lettuce leaves: Low in calories and carbohydrates, while high in water and fiber, promoting hydration and digestive health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient size, ripeness, and preparation method.