Shrimp Entree Soup
A hearty shrimp soup with smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for a comforting meal that highlights the sweetness of shrimp and the richness of bacon.
Ingredients
- 6 strips lean bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium rib celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 2 (4.5 oz.) cans shrimp or 1 (10 oz.) package frozen shrimp, uncooked and peeled ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp in a Dutch oven. Drain and crumble bacon.
- Saute onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons bacon fat over moderately low heat until onion is transparent.
- Add tomatoes with liquid, green pepper, red pepper sauce, black pepper, bay leaf, carrots, celery, potatoes, and salt. Bring to boiling point.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until potatoes are done.
- Add shrimp (drained and rinsed if canned). Continue cooking until shrimp are heated through and just done.
- Remove bay leaf. Garnish each serving with crumbled bacon if desired. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of lean bacon. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If fresh shrimp isn't available, frozen shrimp works well; just ensure it's peeled and deveined. You can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different taste. This soup can be customized by adding vegetables like corn or peas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Olive Hors D'Oeuvers for an appetizer. For a refreshing contrast, consider a light cucumber salad. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or crumbled bacon for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover shrimp entree soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it can make the shrimp tough. Freezing is not recommended due to the shrimp's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Entree Soup contains roughly 1008 calories, with 38g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (261% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 501mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood in this soup?
Yes, you can certainly substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or crab. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood types may require varying cooking times to ensure they are cooked through without becoming rubbery.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This shrimp entree soup is great for meal prep. Just prepare and store it in individual portions. However, it’s best to add the shrimp just before serving to maintain its texture. You can prepare the base in advance and add shrimp when you're ready to eat.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add a little vegetable or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. You can also add more diced tomatoes if you want to maintain the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).