Are you ready to dive into a bowl of delightful flavors? This Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup combines the sweet and earthy taste of sweet potatoes with the succulent, tender shrimp and a kick of spice, making it the perfect dish for any season. With its vibrant colors and delicious aroma, this soup is not only nourishing but also a feast for the senses.
Why We Love This Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
There’s something about the combination of sweet potatoes and shrimp that is simply irresistible. The sweet potatoes provide a creamy, comforting base that balances the heat from the spices and the shrimp’s natural sweetness perfectly. Each spoonful is a warm hug and a burst of flavor. It’s rich in nutrients, satisfying, and wonderful for meal prep. Not to mention, it can be whipped up in just under an hour, making it an excellent choice for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients about Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
To make this Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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
- 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
Making Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup is straightforward—perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks. Follow these steps to create your delicious bowl of goodness:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Give it a minute to warm up. As the oil shimmer, add the chopped red onion. Sauté the onion for about 10 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to soften without letting it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Pour in the vegetable stock to enhance the soup’s flavor. Then add the corn and diced sweet potatoes. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly for an even distribution of ingredients. These sweet potatoes will lend a creamy texture to the soup as they cook.
- Reach for the can of diced tomatoes with green chile peppers and pour it into the pot. This addition introduces vibrant colors and adds a tangy kick that elevates the dish. Next, add your cup of salsa, which will bring depth and zing to the flavor profile.
- Sprinkle the chili powder and ground cumin over the mixture. Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper to your preference. You can always adjust this later, but starting here gives the soup a solid base flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently for about five minutes. This short cooking time allows the sweet potatoes to soften while infusing flavors.
- With the sweet potatoes just about tender, add the peeled shrimp. Stir them in and allow the soup to come back to a gentle boil. The shrimp only need about ten minutes to cook, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know it’s ready when they turn pink and opaque.
- Just before serving, toss in the chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Give the soup a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Your delicious Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup is all set to be served!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Serving Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like. For a casual meal, ladle the soup into individual bowls and enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas for dipping. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider garnishing each bowl with additional chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
You can also turn this dish into a complete meal by pairing it with a fresh salad. A light green salad with a vinaigrette would contrast nicely with the spices of the soup, making it a well-rounded meal. Feel free to pour your soup into a thermos for a cozy lunch at work or a picnic. This soup is not only hearty and filling but travels well, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal on the go.
Expert Tips: Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
To ensure your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup comes out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Don’t rush the onions and garlic: Taking the time to sauté the onions fully will give your soup a deeper flavor base. They should be translucent and soft before moving forward.
- Quality shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you a better taste than frozen, but if using frozen, ensure they are thawed properly to maintain texture.
- Customize the spice: If you prefer your soup spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more chili powder to suit your taste. Conversely, you can reduce the heat by using a milder salsa.
- Cook sweet potatoes until just tender: You want them to maintain a little bite, as they will continue to cook slightly when you add the shrimp.
- Garnish for flavor: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish can elevate your soup and add bright flavors.
How to Store Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Storing your Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup is straightforward and convenient. Once the soup has completely cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. You can divide it into single-serving portions for easy access during busy days. Storing in portion sizes also aids efficiency in reheating.
In the refrigerator, this soup should last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Soup freezes beautifully; place it in suitable freezer-safe containers, allowing some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost in the fridge overnight, and reheat it gently on the stove.
Variation of Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
The beauty of Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup lies in its versatility. There are numerous ways to modify this soup to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add other vegetables: You can enhance the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or kale. Toss them in at the same time as the broth.
- Replace shrimp with fish or chicken: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, you can use chunks of firm white fish or bite-sized chicken pieces. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Try different spices: Swap the chili powder and cumin for other spices like coriander, smoked paprika, or even curry powder for a unique flavor twist.
- Make it creamy: If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process for added richness.
- Go vegetarian: Substitute the shrimp with protein sources such as chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option. Just keep the cooking time in mind, as these will require less time to heat through.
FAQ
What is Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup?
Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup is a hearty dish that combines succulent shrimp, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices with vegetables in a savory broth. It’s perfect for a filling meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Can I make Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
How spicy is Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup?
The level of spice in the soup can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili powder and salsa contribute to the heat, but feel free to modify them based on how spicy you enjoy your meals.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or greens to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
What pairs well with Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread, warm tortillas, or a fresh green salad, making it a well-rounded meal that’s enjoyable any time!
Spicy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large 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 (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste salt and ground black pepper
Shrimp and Garnish
- 1.5 pounds peeled medium shrimp
- 4 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 10 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cooking
- Pour in the vegetable stock, then add corn and diced sweet potatoes.
- Mix thoroughly for even distribution of ingredients.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chile peppers and the cup of salsa.
- Sprinkle chili powder and ground cumin over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- Add the peeled shrimp and allow the soup to come back to a gentle boil.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Finishing Touch
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped green onions.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
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