Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of Spanish coastal cuisine with this mouthwatering Sopa de Gamba a la Catalana! Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, aromatic seafood soup that brings the vibrant flavors of Barcelona's coastline directly to your kitchen. This isn't just a recipe; it's a gastronomic adventure that will transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, shells on
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 4 cups fish stock
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Clean the shrimp by removing the heads and deveining, but keep the shells on as they will add flavor to the stock. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Incorporate chopped tomato and bay leaf, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomato breaks down and releases its juices.
- Pour in the fish stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the shrimp with their shells to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
- Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of shrimp.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
Tips
- Shell Secret: Keep the shrimp shells on while cooking - they're liquid gold for flavor! The shells will infuse the stock with an incredible depth of seafood essence.
- Timing is Everything: Be extremely careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should turn pink and just become opaque, which typically takes only 3-4 minutes.
- Stock Selection: Use the highest quality fish stock you can find. If possible, homemade fish stock will elevate this dish from good to absolutely spectacular.
- Freshness Matters: Always use the freshest shrimp possible. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild sea-like smell.
- Garnish Upgrade: While optional, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving can add a professional touch and burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
