Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Mexican Seafood Soup recipe is your answer. Bursting with the bright tastes of the sea and infused with zesty Mexican spices, this healthy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's one of those easy recipes that will quickly become a family favorite, offering a delicious escape to sunny shores without ever leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe serves 4 and easily adapts to larger groups. Gather these fresh ingredients for a truly authentic taste:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups fish broth (or chicken broth for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound firm white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or snapper), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Culinary Journey
Follow these easy steps to create this delightful soup:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), fish broth, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and oregano to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Season and Simmer: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add the Seafood: Gently add the fish and shrimp to the simmering soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. Overcooking will make the seafood tough, so be mindful of the timing.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the cilantro and serve immediately. Garnish each bowl with a lime wedge and your favorite toppings, like avocado slices, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh seafood will elevate the taste of your soup significantly.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked seafood becomes tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it's opaque.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder soup, omit it altogether.
- Broth Variations: Experiment with different types of broth for unique flavor profiles. Shrimp broth would be amazing!
Variations: Explore the Possibilities
This recipe provides a wonderful base for endless variations. Consider adding:
- Corn: Add a cup of frozen or canned corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans would add heartiness and texture.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Different Seafood: Mussels, clams, or scallops would be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Mexican Seafood Soup is a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and nutritious. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy this healthy meal, and let the vibrant flavors transport you!