OK, I Like Ramen as Much as the Next Girl...

...which is why I was thrilled when my son gave me not one, but two cases of Oriental-flavored Top Ramen for Christmas last year.  And this was not an idle choice; grocery stores nearby had stopped carrying our favorite brand, and he had to order it on the internet.  What a good boy, right?


From everything I've read about budget-minded round-the-world travelers, they eat a fair amount of cheap and delicious noodles.  I am all for that--noodles definitely qualify as one of my favorite food groups, along with cheese and cookies and chocolate.  


Still, every now and then it's good to supplement the all-starch and sodium diet with something slightly healthier.  My go-to answer: ceviche.  If you can get to a fresh fish market (stress "fresh"), you can make a terrific, inexpensive ceviche in almost no time.

At this market in Lima, we literally watched the boats come in with their catch.

Just get to the fish market and select whatever looks best to you--any kind of firm white fish will work; shrimp or langostinos are good, scallops are magical and lobster--well, of course lobster is great.  You don't need much, (maybe 1/4 pound per person) so buy whatever looks freshest and most delectable.


Then go to the market and buy some limes (or lemons, or oranges or even grapefruit), a mango, a jalapeno or other hot pepper, an onion or some scallions, a tiny piece of fresh ginger, cilantro if you like it (or fresh basil, or tarragon).

Cut the seafood and the mango into half-inch cubes, dice the chile, onion or other aromatics and juice the citrus.  Add a dribble of olive oil, if you've got it. Toss everything together and let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the acid in the citrus has just begun to "cook" the fish.  If you want to be fancy, grate a little of the citrus zest and mix that in, too. Garnish with the herbs and serve with some crusty warm bread and butter and icy cold beer or a crisp white wine. 


You will love this: it's an inexpensive and glorious meal.  And the next day, feel free to go back to noodles.  You know you want to.


Mmmm, you’ll find tasty recipes like these in the HostelBookers.com Backpacker Recipe Guide.” 
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