Description
A quick, flavorful, and spicy shrimp soup that’s perfect for a warm meal on busy days. Loaded with fresh vegetables, seasoned with bold spices, and finished with lime and cilantro, this soup offers a comforting yet zesty experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
Liquids
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Herbs and Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Optional: 1-2 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped (for extra spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot; peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
- Cook the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and carrot; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-6 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce slightly or mash some vegetables.
- Use fresh lime juice just before serving to keep the bright flavor.
- Can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
