Creamy Prawn Soup

Creamy Prawn Soup Recipe - Asian-inspired dish with butter, onion, garlic, basil, chicken, tomato, flour, cream, water, and salt.

Region / culture: Asia, Singapore, Southeast Asia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy prawn soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the year. This rich and flavorful soup is made with fresh prawns, vegetables, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is a great way to warm up on a cold day or to enjoy as a light and satisfying meal.

History

Creamy prawn soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Prawns are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that have been used in soups and stews around the world. This particular recipe combines the rich flavors of prawns with creamy textures to create a truly decadent dish.

Ingredients

250 g unshelled prawns
2 tbsp butter
1 onion (red, white, or yellow only)
1 clove
2 cloves garlic
0.25 tsp basil
1 chicken or fish cube
2 tbsp tomato purée or (4.75 tbsp tomato sauce)
0.33 cup flour
0.5 cup cream
5.33 cups lukewarm or regular water
salt to taste
3 tbsp black pepper

How to prepare

Wash the prawns thoroughly.
Heat 5 cups of water in a medium saucepan and add the prawns. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat.
Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes and then remove from the flame.
Strain the liquid and set it aside. Shell and devein the prawns. Finely chop the onion.
Peel and roughly chop the carrot. Crush the garlic and finely chop the deveined prawns.
In a large saucepan, heat the butter. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic, and fry on moderate flame for 3 minutes.
Add the prawn stock, basil, chicken or fish cube, salt, black pepper, and tomato puree. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
Remove from the flame and blend in batches in a mixer until smooth. Return to the flame.
In a bowl, mix the flour and 0.33 cup of water into a smooth paste. Add it to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and allow the soup to thicken.
Lower the heat and mix in the cream and half of the prawns. Heat gently for 5 minutes without allowing the soup to boil.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining prawns.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or corn for a heartier soup.
Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option.
Add a splash of white wine for a more complex flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein and shell the prawns before adding them to the soup for a cleaner and more enjoyable eating experience.

- Be sure to simmer the prawns in water before adding them to the soup to infuse the broth with their delicious flavor.

- Blending the soup in batches will help to create a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to let the soup boil once the cream has been added, as this can cause it to curdle.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy prawn soup can be served as a starter or as a main dish with crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the prawns in water before adding them to the soup helps to infuse the broth with their flavor.

- Blending the soup in batches creates a smooth and creamy texture.

- Thickening the soup with a flour paste helps to create a rich and velvety consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use shrimp or lobster instead of prawns.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian option.

- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy prawn soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish creamy prawn soup with fresh herbs, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamy prawn soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover creamy prawn soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of creamy prawn soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of creamy prawn soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of creamy prawn soup contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of creamy prawn soup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy prawn soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Creamy prawn soup is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with shellfish, dairy, or gluten allergies.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village by the sea. My grandmother, who was a renowned cook in our community, had been invited to a cooking competition in the neighboring town. She had been tasked with creating a dish using prawns as the main ingredient.

As my grandmother busied herself in the kitchen, preparing for the competition, I watched in fascination as she expertly peeled and deveined the prawns, carefully selecting only the freshest ones for her dish. I could tell by the look of concentration on her face that she was determined to create something truly special.

As the day of the competition approached, my grandmother seemed to be in a state of calm and serenity. She moved about the kitchen with a sense of purpose, her movements fluid and graceful as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned her ingredients. I could tell that she was completely in her element, her love for cooking shining through in every dish she prepared.

Finally, the day of the competition arrived. My grandmother had prepared a creamy prawn soup that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating, a perfect blend of spices and herbs that seemed to transport me to a faraway land.

As the judges sampled my grandmother's soup, their faces lit up with delight. They savored each spoonful, nodding in approval as they tasted the rich, velvety broth and tender chunks of prawns. My grandmother's soup was a hit, winning her first place in the competition and earning her the admiration of her fellow cooks.

From that moment on, my grandmother's creamy prawn soup became a staple in our household. She would often make it for special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, or simply as a comforting meal on a cold winter's day. Each time she prepared the soup, she would recount the story of how she had first discovered the recipe, and I would listen with rapt attention, hanging on her every word.

My grandmother had learned the recipe for creamy prawn soup from an old friend who had traveled to distant lands in search of exotic flavors and ingredients. It was during her travels that she had come across a small seaside village where the locals prided themselves on their seafood dishes. Intrigued by the flavors and aromas of the creamy prawn soup that she had tasted there, my grandmother's friend had begged the cook for the recipe.

The cook, a kindly old woman with weathered hands and a twinkle in her eye, had agreed to share her secret recipe on one condition - that my grandmother's friend promise to pass it on to someone who would appreciate it as much as she did. And so, the recipe had been handed down from one generation to the next, eventually finding its way into my grandmother's capable hands.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the significance of this recipe and the tradition that it represented. It was more than just a soup; it was a connection to my past, a link to my grandmother and all the generations of cooks who had come before her. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish not just our bodies but our souls as well.

And so, whenever I make my grandmother's creamy prawn soup, I do so with a sense of reverence and gratitude. I follow her recipe to the letter, taking care to select only the freshest prawns and the finest ingredients. And as I stir the pot and inhale the heady aroma of spices and herbs, I feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over me, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through the ages.

In the end, it is not just about the soup itself, but the memories and stories that accompany it. The creamy prawn soup that my grandmother first discovered all those years ago is more than just a recipe; it is a gift, a legacy that I am proud to carry on in her honor. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of soup, surrounded by loved ones and laughter, I am reminded once again of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our hearts and minds as well.