Shrimp Soup with Cumin

Shrimp Soup with Cumin Recipe: French & Italian Flavors!

Region / culture: France, Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp soup with cumin is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones. The combination of shrimp, cumin, garlic, and bread creates a rich and satisfying soup that is sure to impress.

History

This recipe has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where shrimp is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The addition of cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the soup, making it a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

1 to 1.25 lb (567 g) shrimp, with shells
5 cups shrimp or chicken stock, or water
0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled
4 thick slices of French or italian bread
1 tsp ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
minced fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

How to prepare

Peel the shrimp and simmer the shells in a medium saucepan with the stock or water while you continue with the recipe.
Place the olive oil in a large, deep saucepan or casserole and heat it over medium heat.
Add the garlic cloves and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden color, almost brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
Remove the garlic cloves from the pan using a slotted spoon and set them aside to cool.
Reduce the heat to low and brown the bread slices in the oil on both sides, doing it in batches if necessary. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
Remove the bread slices from the pan and spread each one with about 0.5 clove of the cooked garlic.
Finely chop the remaining garlic cloves.
Cut each shrimp into 3 or 4 pieces.
Strain the warmed stock into the casserole, increase the heat to medium, and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add the shrimp, cumin, salt, and pepper to the casserole, and cook over low heat for 3 or 4 minutes.
Place a piece of bread in each of four bowls, then ladle in a portion of the soup with shrimp.
Sprinkle with the minced garlic, garnish, and serve.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Use different herbs and spices, such as paprika or coriander, to change up the taste of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to simmer the shrimp shells to extract as much flavor as possible for the stock.

- Browning the bread slices in olive oil adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor to the soup.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this shrimp soup with cumin with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the shrimp shells to make a flavorful stock.

- Brown the bread slices in olive oil for added flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer soup.

- Substitute shrimp with another type of seafood, such as scallops or fish.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This shrimp soup with cumin pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish and gluten from the bread.

Summary

This shrimp soup with cumin is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Shrimp soup with cumin is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold, blustery day in December when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that I had found at a flea market. The recipe for Shrimp Soup with Cumin called out to me with its exotic blend of flavors and fragrances. I had never made anything like it before, but I was eager to give it a shot.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She was a master at creating delicious meals from simple ingredients, and I had learned so much from her over the years. From her, I had inherited a passion for experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and I was always on the lookout for something different to try.

As I read through the recipe for Shrimp Soup with Cumin, I could practically taste the warm, spicy broth and the tender shrimp floating in it. The combination of cumin, garlic, and tomatoes seemed like a perfect match for the sweet, briny flavor of the shrimp. I could already imagine the aroma wafting through my kitchen, filling the house with a tantalizing scent that would make everyone's mouths water.

I set about gathering the ingredients for the soup, carefully measuring out the cumin, chopping the garlic, and dicing the tomatoes. I could feel my excitement building as I prepared each component, eager to see how they would all come together in a symphony of flavors. Finally, I added the shrimp to the pot, watching as they turned from translucent gray to a vibrant pink, signaling that they were cooked through and ready to eat.

As I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The aroma that had filled the kitchen now surrounded me, enveloping me in a warm, comforting embrace. I lifted a spoonful to my lips and blew on it gently, savoring the steam that rose up to meet my face.

The first taste was everything I had hoped for and more. The cumin added a depth and richness to the broth, while the garlic lent a pungent sharpness that cut through the sweetness of the tomatoes. The shrimp were tender and succulent, bursting with the flavors of the sea. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, a dish that felt both familiar and new at the same time.

I savored every spoonful of that soup, letting each bite linger on my tongue as I contemplated the journey that had brought me to this moment. I thought about all the recipes I had learned from my grandmother, all the flavors and techniques that she had passed down to me over the years. I realized that each new recipe I tried was a way of honoring her legacy, of keeping her spirit alive in my kitchen.

As I finished my bowl of Shrimp Soup with Cumin, I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over me. I had taken a leap of faith with this recipe, stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new and unfamiliar. And it had paid off in the most delicious way possible.

I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my household, a dish that I would make again and again, each time with a sense of pride and joy. And as I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers, I knew that I would always be on the lookout for new recipes to try, new flavors to explore, new memories to create in the heart of my home. Cooking, after all, was not just about feeding the body – it was about feeding the soul. And with each new recipe I tried, I felt my soul grow a little brighter, a little more fulfilled.