Chapin Ceviche

Background and History

Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in Latin America, particularly in coastal regions. Originally from Peru, this dish has been adapted and embraced by various countries with their unique twist. In Guatemala, ceviche is known as "Chapin Ceviche", a variation that speaks to the country’s rich culinary traditions and its use of vibrant, local ingredients. Often enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or street food, Chapin Ceviche is a staple in Guatemalan cuisine, bringing together the zest of citrus with the savoriness of seafood.

Ingredients

To make the authentic Chapin Ceviche, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Shrimp - 500g of fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp
• Lime - Juice of 4 large limes
• Lemon - Juice of 2 lemons
• Tomato - 2 large, ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• Onion - 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• Cilantro - A small bunch of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Avocado - 1 ripe avocado, diced
• Salt - To taste
• Pepper - Freshly ground, to taste
• Hot Sauce - As desired for spiciness
• Corn Tortillas - For serving

Preparation

Preparing the Seafood

Begin by cleaning the shrimp thoroughly, ensuring they are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel and set aside.

Marinating the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime and lemon juices. Add the shrimp to the citrus mixture, covering them completely. The acidity from the lime and lemon juice will "cook" the shrimp; allow this to sit in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Use a cooking timer to track this precisely.

Chopping Fresh Vegetables

While the shrimp are marinating, finely chop the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Make sure all the vegetables are diced finely to ensure an even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Combining Ingredients

Once the shrimp have turned opaque, indicating they are properly "cooked" by the citrus juice, add the chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently to combine.

Seasoning the Ceviche

Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to the ceviche. Adjust the seasoning according to taste. For those who love a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce can be added for an extra kick.

Finishing Touch

Finally, gently incorporate the diced avocado just before serving. Mix carefully to prevent the avocado from mashing, preserving its chunky texture.

Enjoying the Meal

Corn tortillas are the traditional accompaniment for serving Chapin Ceviche. They can be served either soft and warm or fried to a crispy texture. This ceviche can be enjoyed as a splendid appetizer or light main course. It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing beer.

This dish is perfect for social gatherings and is often shared among friends and family. The vibrant colors, combined with the tangy and spicy flavors, create an exciting culinary experience that brings a taste of Guatemala to your table.