Sopa de Camarão con Aletria

Sopa de Camarão con Aletria Recipe from Portugal

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sopa de Camarão con Aletria is a traditional Portuguese shrimp soup with rice vermicelli that is both comforting and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its rich and aromatic broth.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Portuguese households, with each family adding their own twist to make it unique. Sopa de Camarão con Aletria is a popular dish in Portugal, especially during the colder months when a warm and hearty soup is most comforting.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) of rice stick noodles (rice vermicelli)
1 lb (454 g) of medium shrimp
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 clove of garlic, crushed and peeled
1 large shallot, peeled and minced
2 tbsp of balichão (optional)
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
freshly ground black pepper
1 scallion, trimmed and chopped
6 sprigs of fresh cilantro

How to prepare

Place the noodles in a medium bowl, cover with warm water, and let them soak until they become soft, approximately 15 minutes.
Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Peel and devein the shrimp, keeping the shells aside.
In a large pot, add 6 cups of water and the shrimp shells. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the broth simmer for 15 minutes.
Strain the broth, discarding the shells, and set it aside.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook until it turns golden.
Remove and discard the garlic.
Add the shallots and cook until they become soft, approximately 1 minute.
If using balichão, add it and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
Pour in the shrimp broth, bring it to a simmer, and then add the shrimp, noodles, and tomatoes.
Simmer the soup until the shrimp just turn pink, which should take about 3 minutes.
Season with pepper to taste.
Garnish the soup with scallions and cilantro.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the rice vermicelli in warm water until they are soft before adding them to the soup.

- Devein the shrimp properly to ensure a clean and delicious final dish.

- Balichão is an optional ingredient that adds a unique umami flavor to the soup. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the broth slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the shrimp to cook gently.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti if rice vermicelli is not available.

- Substitute fish or scallops for the shrimp for a different seafood twist.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sopa de Camarão con Aletria with a crisp white wine like Vinho Verde or a light lager beer for a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains shellfish

Summary

Sopa de Camarão con Aletria is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Sopa de Camarão con Aletria is a delicious and comforting Portuguese shrimp soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich broth, tender shrimp, and flavorful rice vermicelli, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sopa de Camarão con Aletria. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village by the sea. Maria was known for her incredible seafood dishes, and on that particular day, she invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare a special meal.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but notice the delicious aroma that filled the room. The scent of garlic, onions, and fresh herbs wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I asked Maria what she was cooking, and she smiled slyly before revealing that she was making her famous Sopa de Camarão con Aletria.

I had never heard of this dish before, but as Maria began to explain the recipe to me, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. She started by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, she added in fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and a splash of white wine to create a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Next, Maria added in a generous amount of shrimp, letting them simmer in the broth until they were cooked through and tender. Finally, she stirred in a handful of aletria, a type of thin pasta that added a unique texture to the dish. As I watched Maria work her magic, I knew that this recipe was something special.

After the soup had simmered for a while and the flavors had melded together perfectly, Maria ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. The final result was a bowl of steaming hot soup that looked and smelled absolutely divine.

I eagerly took a spoonful of the soup and let it warm me from the inside out. The flavors were incredible – rich and savory with a hint of sweetness from the shrimp. The aletria added a satisfying chewiness to the dish, making each bite a delight to savor.

As I sat at the table with Maria, enjoying our meal together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from her. Maria had a way of making even the simplest dishes feel special, and I knew that this Sopa de Camarão con Aletria would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavors and comforting warmth. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that special day in Maria's kitchen, where I first learned the secret to creating this incredible dish.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that day with Maria, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful recipes and culinary knowledge that I have acquired over the years. Each dish tells a story, a memory of a moment shared with loved ones or a new experience discovered in a far-off land.

And as I take another bite of my Sopa de Camarão con Aletria, I am filled with a sense of joy and contentment, knowing that the tradition of cooking and sharing delicious meals will live on for generations to come.