Appetizers / July 1, 2022

avocado peach ceviche

I am calling this vegan app “ce-peach-e” and you nerds aren’t stopping me.

Of all the appetizers and side dishes I’ve created so far, this one has to be up there in my favorites. Light, fresh, unique, and you can swipe up a glob with crispy tortilla chips. If chips are involved, I’m there, no holds barred. Is that even how the expression goes?

We actually visited a tapas bar this week and the first plate I knew I’d order was their jalapeno ceviche. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s more or less a chilled seafood salsa, often soaked in cilantro and lime and sometimes infused with mango or pineapple. Chips or plantains are standard scooper-uppers.

Here, I venture into peach territory with a delightful handful of those juicy stone fruits, and instead of seafood I toss in hearts of palm to create a fully vegan, healthy platter so you can rest assured all dietary preferences are taken care of at your gatherings this weekend.

One Step Wonder

Yep, this is for real one step. Unless you count the chopping, which I guess is justified. Truly, that’s the longest part of the process, longer than the eating part, probably.

Hearts of palm are difficult to find fresh, and apparently one has to own a proper license to harvest it for sale. The edible stalks derive from a handful of palm species, including palmetto, which runs rampant around these parts. Thankfully, many places sell canned versions, including Trader Joes, and such works perfectly here. Just drain it out and slice. The hearts have a buttery consistency and a briny flavor akin to jackfruit. Probably from the brine. Whatever.

Toss in some avocado and fresh peaches for the summery flare, and a bunch of flavorings from pineapple juice to cilantro and mint. Stir it up, and that’s really it. Really really. Really really really.

Dipables are essential for summer gatherings. If you’re feeling it, bake up some homemade tortilla chips – cut up corn tortillas, toss gently in a bit of oil, and crisp up in a hot oven. Boom. If you’re not feeling it, that’s okay. Storebought is just as well.

If you’re seeking a Mexican theme for your fiesta, be sure to mix up a Strawberry Paloma Sangria pitcher and perhaps a batch of sweet potato tacos. Nothing bad about a healthier July 4th!

Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!