Couscous Soup With Shrimp

Looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to warm you up on chilly evenings? Look no further than this delicious couscous soup with shrimp recipe. Packed with tender shrimp, aromatic thyme, and vibrant mixed vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Pearl couscous soup with shrimp

Soup is often considered comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. However, not all soups are created equal. Some are bland and uninspiring, while others burst with flavor and texture. This couscous soup with shrimp falls into the latter category, offering a delightful combination of ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that is both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, you’ll find that this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results every time.

In this article, we’ll explore the key highlights of this couscous soup recipe, including its rich flavor profile, versatile ingredient list, and customizable variations. From the initial preparation to the final garnish, we’ll guide you through each step of the cooking process, ensuring that you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bowl.

So, grab your apron and sharpen your knives – it’s time to dive into the world of couscous soup with shrimp and discover why this dish has earned a permanent place in our culinary repertoire.

Recipe highlights

Rich and flavorful broth infused with aromatic thyme.
Tender shrimp add protein and a delicate seafood flavor.
Couscous provides a hearty base and absorbs the delicious flavors of the soup.
Vibrant mixed vegetables offer color, texture, and nutrients.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients needed

Couscous: Couscous serves as the base of this soup, providing a hearty and satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp add protein and a delightful seafood flavor to the soup. Opt for deveined shrimp for convenience.

Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs impart a subtle earthy and floral aroma to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Chopped Tomatoes (can): Canned chopped tomatoes contribute acidity and depth to the broth, creating a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and vegetables, adding richness and depth to the soup.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the liquid base of the soup, infusing it with savory notes and providing depth of flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Mixed Vegetables: A medley of mixed vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers adds color, texture, and nutrients to the soup.

Lime (to garnish): Fresh lime wedges are used as a garnish, adding a burst of citrusy flavor and brightness to each bowl of soup.

Substitutions

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or broccoli would all be excellent additions.

Step-by-step instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients and preparing them as directed. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the onion and mixed vegetables, and measure out the remaining ingredients.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Once the onion is soft, add the canned chopped tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot, along with the chicken broth and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add the Shrimp and Vegetables: After the soup has simmered for 15 minutes, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and the mixed vegetables to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Add the couscous: While the soup is simmering, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and set aside.

Combine the Soup and Couscous: Once the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove the thyme sprigs from the soup. Add the cooked couscous to the pot and stir to combine.

Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

Serve: Ladle the couscous soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Extra recipe tips

For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the vegetables before adding them to the soup. This step helps to caramelize the sugars in the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.

If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to serve

Serve this couscous soup as a standalone meal with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside grilled or roasted vegetables, or a protein such as grilled chicken or fish.

Recipe Variations

To make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the cheese garnish.
For a gluten-free version, you can use quinoa or rice instead of couscous.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the soup. Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil would all be excellent options.

How to store and reheat

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding them to the soup, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I freeze this soup?

While you can freeze the soup, keep in mind that the texture of the couscous may change upon thawing and reheating. If you do choose to freeze the soup, consider omitting the couscous and adding it when you reheat the soup for best results.