When you crave a comforting bowl of soup that packs a flavor punch, look no further than Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the heat of spicy tomatoes and shrimp, creating a balance that tantalizes your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to impress your friends, this soup is sure to please. Plus, it’s packed full of nutritious ingredients, making it as good for your health as it is for your palate.
Why We Love This Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
This Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup stands out not just for its taste, but also for its versatility. The combination of the sweet potatoes with the spicy elements results in a rich, satisfying flavor profile that can warm you up from the inside out. It’s an excellent way to incorporate seafood into your diet, while the vibrant colors make it visually appealing. Plus, it comes together fairly quickly, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. The soup is easy to modify based on your preferences or pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe for all occasions.
Ingredients about Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
To make this delicious soup, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1.5 pounds peeled medium shrimp
- 4 green onions, chopped
How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup Directions
Creating Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup is a straightforward process. You’ll begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring them in the hot oil. Cook this mixture for about 10 minutes or until the onion becomes tender and begins to turn translucent.
Once your onion and garlic are ready, pour in the vegetable stock, followed by the corn and diced sweet potatoes. Ensure that everything is mixed well, then introduce the diced tomatoes with green chile peppers and the salsa into the pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin, seasoning with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring the entire mix to a boil, allowing it to simmer for about five minutes.
Now it’s time to add the shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and ready to go. Stir the shrimp into the boiling soup, and once again bring the mixture back to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This timing helps ensure that the shrimp are cooked through and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth.
Once the shrimp is fully cooked, sprinkle in the chopped green onions for an added freshness. Before serving, taste the soup once more to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup is now complete and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Serving your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup can be as simple or as elegant as you prefer. Here are some ways to make serving more enjoyable:
- Bowls: Ladle the soup into individual bowls for everyone at the table. This not only looks appetizing but also allows each person to appreciate the colors and textures.
- Toppings: Consider adding some fun toppings to elevate the soup experience. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or lime zest can enhance the flavor. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, top it off with some crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream.
- Accompaniments: Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or serve it alongside a simple salad for a complete meal. The contrast between the warm, hearty soup and a fresh salad can be delightful.
- Containers: If you want to pack some for lunch or share with friends, consider using airtight containers. This way, you can enjoy your delicious creation on the go.
Expert Tips: Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
To ensure your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup turns out perfectly, follow these expert tips:
- Batch Cooking: If you’re preparing a large batch, consider freezing some of the soup. This makes for an easy meal option on busy days. Just store it in airtight containers and reheat when needed.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and shrimp. They add a depth of flavor that frozen or canned alternatives might lack.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat to match your preference. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder or choose a mild salsa. For those who enjoy spice, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños.
- Texture Variations: To vary the texture, you can blend part of the soup before adding the shrimp to create a creamier base while keeping some chunks for added interest.
How to Store Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Storing your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup correctly can keep it fresh and delicious for future meals. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: If you plan to eat leftovers within a few days, let the soup cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When freezing, leave some space for expansion. It will maintain its quality for about three months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, consider using a microwave or simmering slowly on the stove.
Variation of Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Feel free to customize your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup with these fantastic variations:
- Seafood Medley: Instead of just shrimp, add other seafood like scallops or fish chunks. This will enhance the ocean flavors and make the dish more diverse.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Consider including additional vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or kale. They will add color, texture, and extra nutrition.
- Legumes: For added protein and fiber, you could throw in some black beans or chickpeas. These will create a heartier soup that’s even more filling.
- Creamy Version: If you desire a creamier texture, stir in some coconut milk or heavy cream at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a rich finish.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup?
The primary ingredients include sweet potatoes, shrimp, vegetable stock, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, corn, and spices.
How long does it take to make Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup?
The preparation time is around 15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 25 minutes, making the total time around 40 minutes.
Can I use frozen shrimp for the soup?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw and peel them before adding them to the soup during cooking.
Is Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is loaded with nutritious ingredients, including sweet potatoes, which are high in vitamins, and shrimp, which are a great source of protein.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just remember to cool it completely before storing, and reheat before serving.
Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®) 10 ounce can
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste Salt
- to taste ground black pepper
For the Protein
- 1.5 pounds peeled medium shrimp
For Garnishing
- 4 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring together in the hot oil.
- Cook for about 10 minutes or until the onion becomes tender and begins to turn translucent.
Cooking
- Pour in the vegetable stock, followed by the corn and diced sweet potatoes. Mix well.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chile peppers and salsa into the pot.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin, seasoning with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the peeled shrimp and stir into the boiling soup, then bring back to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, sprinkle in the chopped green onions for freshness.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
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