Tropical Hearts of Palm Ceviche
This vibrant and refreshing Tropical Hearts of Palm Ceviche is a delightful take on traditional ceviche, using hearts of palm to replicate the texture and appearance of octopus. Perfect for warm summer days, this no-cook dish bursts with flavors from fresh tomatoes, zesty lime, and a hint of heat from jalapeños. The bright colors and playful presentation make it an eye-catching appetizer for any gathering. Whether served in chic martini glasses or rustic bowls, this dish will impress even the most discerning palates, especially those who may not enjoy seafood.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hearts of palm
1 (14 ounce can, cut into rings)
Tomatoes
2 (large, diced)
Red onion
1/2 (small, diced)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 (bunch, chopped)
Jalapeños
2 (diced (or to taste))
Limes
2 (juiced)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Avocado
optional (sliced)
Cucumber
optional (sliced)
Green bell pepper
optional (sliced)
Instructions
1
Rinse the hearts of palm and cut them into circles, then carefully pop out the center of each slice to create little loops resembling octopus rings. You can keep the centers for added texture if desired.
2
Dice the tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeños. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the hearts of palm, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
4
Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture, drizzle in the olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine, ensuring not to break the hearts of palm.
5
For an extra layer of flavor, let the ceviche marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.
6
To serve, spoon the ceviche into martini or margarita glasses and garnish with additional cilantro, freshly cracked black pepper, and if desired, slices of avocado, cucumber, or green bell pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Hearts of Palm Ceviche?
It is a vibrant, refreshing, and no-cook appetizer that uses hearts of palm to mimic the texture of seafood like octopus.
Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian and vegan as it uses hearts of palm instead of fish or shellfish.
How do you prepare the hearts of palm for this ceviche?
Rinse the hearts of palm, cut them into circles, and pop out the centers to create loops that look like octopus rings.
Should I throw away the centers of the hearts of palm?
No, you can keep the centers and include them in the mixture for added texture if you prefer.
How many tomatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two large tomatoes, diced.
What type of onion works best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using half of a small red onion, diced, for its color and sharp flavor.
How many jalapeños should I add?
Use two jalapeños, or adjust the amount to your preferred level of heat.
What provides the acidity in the ceviche?
The acidity comes from the juice of two fresh limes.
Is there any oil in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is drizzled into the mixture for flavor and mouthfeel.
How much cilantro is needed?
You should use half a bunch of fresh cilantro, finely chopped.
How should the ceviche be seasoned?
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Does this ceviche need to marinate?
Yes, it is recommended to let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
What are some optional ingredients I can add?
You can add sliced avocado, cucumber, or green bell pepper for extra flavor and crunch.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
For a chic presentation, spoon the ceviche into martini or margarita glasses.
Can I use canned hearts of palm?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses a 14-ounce can of hearts of palm.
How do I avoid breaking the hearts of palm rings?
Stir the mixture gently when combining the ingredients to keep the loops intact.
Is this dish suitable for summer?
Absolutely, its refreshing flavors and no-cook method make it a perfect dish for warm summer days.
What can I use as a garnish?
Garnish with additional cilantro, freshly cracked black pepper, or slices of avocado and cucumber.
How many ingredients are in the base recipe?
The base recipe contains 9 ingredients, with 3 additional optional ingredients for a total of 12.
What is the texture of the hearts of palm in this recipe?
The hearts of palm provide a texture that is remarkably similar to octopus rings.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
While traditionally an appetizer, it can be served as a light lunch or part of a larger meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a hint of heat from the jalapeños, but you can control the spice level by adding more or fewer peppers.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation is quick, requiring only dicing and mixing, plus a 15-20 minute marination period.
Why is it called 'Tropical'?
The name reflects the bright, zesty flavors of lime, cilantro, and hearts of palm often associated with tropical regions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Does it require a food processor?
No, all ingredients should be diced by hand to maintain the chunky, fresh texture of a ceviche.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
While lime is traditional for ceviche, lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How many servings does this make?
While not specified, a 14-ounce can of hearts of palm plus vegetables typically serves 2-4 people as an appetizer.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.
Who will enjoy this dish?
It is ideal for anyone looking for a fresh, healthy dish, especially those who avoid seafood but enjoy ceviche flavors.