Seafood Soup with Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced (or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
- 1 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Seafood:
- 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound mussels or clams (cleaned and debearded)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Crusty bread or baguette slices
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Build the Flavor:
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Pour in the fish stock (or vegetable broth) and white wine if using. Stir well, then add the dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Seafood:
- Add the tilapia pieces to the pot, simmering for about 5 minutes.
- Gently add the shrimp, mussels, or clams, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels or clams have opened. Discard any mussels or clams that do not open.
- Finish the Soup:
- Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional parsley or dill. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and crusty bread or baguette slices for dipping.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a mixture of butter and olive oil.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can use any combination of seafood you like or have on hand, such as scallops or crab.
This seafood soup with tilapia is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines a variety of seafood with a savory broth. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy the blend of fresh ingredients and the rich taste of the ocean in every spoonful!
