Crab and Shrimp Seafood Soup

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Soup

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• Moderate

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 pound crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Gather all ingredients and prepare the vegetables by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the bell pepper and celery.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the seafood or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Cream and Spices:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Add Seafood:
   • Gently fold in the crab meat and shrimp. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
6. Season and Garnish:
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Crab and Shrimp Seafood Soup, perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year!