Shrimp and Corn Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: A luscious broth brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Adapt with additional vegetables, seasonings, or even protein alternatives.
• Coastal Flair: Combines classic seafood flavors with the sweetness of fresh corn.
• Halal-Friendly: Includes halal-certified ingredients, suitable for various dietary preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) milk or cream

For the Soup:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Crumbled crispy bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

1. Add the diced potato, corn kernels, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables in the seasoning.
2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

1. Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for added texture. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Step 5: Add Milk or Cream

1. Stir in the milk or cream and let the soup simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or crumbled bacon as desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, but ensure they’re deveined for the best texture and flavor.
• Corn: Fresh corn adds a pop of sweetness, but frozen or canned corn can be used for convenience.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smoky depth to complement the shrimp and corn.
• Potato: Adds natural thickness and heartiness to the soup.

Technique Tips

• Sauté First: Sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, carrot, and celery enhances their flavors, creating a rich base for the soup.
• Blending the Soup: Blending part of the soup ensures a creamy texture while maintaining a rustic, chunky appeal.
• Perfect Shrimp: Add shrimp at the end to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender texture.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic presentation.
• Appetizer Shooter: Serve small portions of the soup in shot glasses with a single shrimp on top as a party appetizer.
• Noodle Addition: Add cooked rice noodles or orzo for a heartier version.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and shrimp elevate the flavor of the soup. If using frozen, thaw them properly.
• Control Consistency: Blend more or less soup depending on your desired level of creaminess.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and spices at the end to ensure a balanced flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy, comforting variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without the milk or cream for up to 3 months. Add cream when reheating to prevent separation.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Low-Fat Milk: Use low-fat milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
• More Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber.
• Whole Grain Bread: Pair the soup with whole-grain bread for a balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Cozy Dinner: Serve alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a hearty family dinner.
• Brunch Idea: Pair with a side of cheesy biscuits or cornbread for a filling brunch.
• Seafood Night: Include this soup as part of a seafood-themed dinner with grilled shrimp skewers or crab cakes.

Special Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender or standard blender
• Ladle for serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use canned corn?
Yes, canned corn works well. Drain it before adding to the soup for the best flavor.

Q2: How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?
Add the shrimp toward the end of cooking and cook just until they turn pink. Overcooking makes shrimp tough.

Q3: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk or cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Q4: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika, but adding a pinch of ground cumin can mimic the smoky flavor.

Q5: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup base ahead of time and add the shrimp and milk when reheating for the best texture.

Q6: Can I use other seafood?
Absolutely! Scallops, crab meat, or fish like cod make excellent substitutes for shrimp.

Q7: Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t use any flour or gluten-containing thickeners.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale the ingredients proportionally and use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume.

Conclusion

Shrimp and corn soup is a heartwarming dish that combines the sweetness of corn and the delicate flavor of shrimp with a rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a satisfying main course. This soup is incredibly versatile, with ingredients that can be adjusted to suit your tastes, from adding extra vegetables to increasing the spice level for a bold kick. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for both casual meals and special gatherings. Try this timeless classic, and enjoy a flavorful bowl of comfort!

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