Ingredients

  • 3 pounds black mussels, scrubbed and beards pulled out
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 2 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded and diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup small Spanish olives (picholines), pitted and halved
  • 1 bunch fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2/3 cup best quality tomato juice
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fruity Spanish olive oil
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 6 to 10 small corn tortillas (recipe attached), or use storebought
  • 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and mashed

Method

  • In a wide, heavy saute pan, bring the wine to a boil with the bay leaves.
  • Put in just enough mussels to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Cover and cook over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, or until all the shells are open.
  • Lift out mussels with a slotted spoon and set in a bowl to cool.
  • Cook remaining mussels in the same way, in batches as necessary.
  • Reserve the liquid for another use.
  • Discard shells and place mussels in a bowl with tomatoes, onion, olives, oregano, tomato, orange and lime juices, salt, pepper and olive oil.
  • Refrigerate for a few hours to blend flavors.
  • Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1/2-inch in a small skillet.
  • Fry the tortillas on both sides or about 1 minute, or until crisp.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Divide ceviche evenly on tostadas with a dollop of mashed avocado on each.