Açorda de Camarão with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cups (950ml) fish or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 4 slices of crusty bread, preferably day-old 4 slices of crusty bread, preferably day-old
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened.
3. 3.
   Add the shrimp and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
4. 4.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Tear the slices of crusty bread into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Stir well to ensure the bread is fully soaked in the broth.
6. 6.
   Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has softened and thickened the soup.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Açorda de Camarão hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove any grit or sand. You can also use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Use a good quality crusty bread with a dense texture to ensure it holds up well in the soup.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Açorda de Camarão hot as a main course. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of Açorda de Camarão with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Serve it in individual bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.