~ "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; Through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." ~ "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" ~ "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." ~ "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."~

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Summer Vegetable "Ceviche"... without the seafood.

Summer Vegetable "Ceviche"... without the seafood.  I don't normally post salad recipes. And maybe this isn't a salad per se... maybe it's more of an appetizer or a side dish that can accompany some grilled seafood. Salads in our house are quite simple, nothing out of the ordinary. But every once in a while, I come upon a salad recipe that's worth posting. This is one of them...

This summer vegetable salad is treated in the same manner as you would a fresh seafood ceviche. The salad omits the seafood, yet keeps all the wonderful flavors associated with ceviche. Because this recipe makes use of summer produce, it's an ideal dish to make after a visit to the farmer's market. A cool and refreshing sort of salad that's vegetarian, as well as vegan... not to mention gluten-free.  Perfect for the hot summer months.

While I didn't have any fresh lima beans, I chose to use some frozen peas which I defrosted under cold running water. However, I think the lima beans would be ideal.... or any other fresh shelling bean. And while ceviche in general is best after a few hours of marination, I have to say that I rather liked this dish after only about 1/2 hour resting time in the fridge. I guess I prefer to keep the fresh colors of the salad along with the crunch of the "ceviche". The peas, after a while, will turn an army green from the lime juice... and textures  of the other vegetables/nectarine soften a bit. But it's up to you how long you allow the " ceviche" to marinate. The sweetness of the nectarines balance out the tartness of the lime juice. I found it to be perfect. Loved, loved this salad! Hope you enjoy...

You will need: adapted from Food and Wine

Dressing:
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
sea salt, to taste

Veggies and Fruit:
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced(deseeded, if you don't want it too spicy)
1 cup fresh baby lima beans or other shelling bean (I used peas)
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 1.5 ears)
2 nectarines, cut into thin slices
1 Hass avocado, cut into cubes
1 orange bell pepper, thinly julienned
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved ( heirloom cherry tomatoes would be ideal)

Extra:
chopped cilantro to taste( about 1/2 cup lightly packed)
sliced radish, totally optional

Directions:
1. If using fresh beans: In a small saucepan with salted boiling water, cook the lima beans until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the beans and rinse under cold water.
If using frozen peas: Defrost under running cold water. Drain.

2. In a large measuring cup, whisk the lime zest and juice with the olive oil, scallion, jalapeño and shallot. Season the dressing with salt. Pour  the dressing in a large bowl.

3. To the dressing add the lima beans( or peas, if using), corn, nectarines, avocado, orange pepper, jalapeno and tomatoes. GENTLY fold and coat the veggie mix with the dressing. Refrigerate the “ceviche” for 1/2-2 hours.

4. Fold in the cilantro and sliced radish(if using) right before serving. 


6 comments:

Speranta said...

Imi pace cum arata...asa de frumoa este aranjata;mereu ma suprinzi cu retete interesante!

Iti doresc zi placuta !

Ellie said...

Speranta, Multumesc! Ma bucur ca iti place salata. Poate o incerci si tu:)? Este foarte buna si merita incercata.

O zi binecuvantata!

Alexa T said...

F.f. interesante reţetele/postările... inspiră cred pe mulţi - mai ales reţetele coreene pentru care am o mare admiraţie! dar şi cele tradiţionale, de oriunde ar fi, asemenea!! o zi bună vă doresc! nb. and happy cooking!

Ellie said...

Alexa, Multumesc mult! Ma bucur ca iti plac retetele coreene, cred ca ma ajuta ca am o prietena coreana care mia dat avantul necesar:).

Oricum, apreciez mult cuvintele tale, si sper ca retetele pe care le postez sa fie de inspiratie multora... sant asa de multe mancaruri diferite din toata lumea ca merita macar cateva sa fie incercate:).

Iti doresc si tie o zi frumoasa, si mersi pentru vizita!

Anonymous said...

Wow! This looks wonderful, I cannot wait to try it. Thanks for posting.

Ellie said...

Anon, You are most welcome... and thanks! I personally love this salad, and hope you enjoy it too:).
Thanks a bunch for stopping by...