Caldo de Mariscos Salvadoreño
A rich and flavorful seafood soup, brimming with fresh fish, shrimp, and mussels in a savory tomato-based broth, seasoned with aromatic vegetables and a hint of spice. It's a comforting and celebratory dish often enjoyed on special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets (like snapper or tilapia)(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 300 g Large shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 500 g Mussels(cleaned and debearded)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(diced)
- 1 stalk Celery stalk(diced)
- 1.5 liters Fish broth or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 pinch Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and diced celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the fish broth (or water) and bring to a simmer.
- 4
Add the fish pieces to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the fish is starting to flake.
- 5
Add the shrimp and mussels to the pot. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- 6
Stir in the chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 7
Ladle the Caldo de Mariscos into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good variety of seafood. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the seafood; it will become tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Serve hot with lime wedges and crusty bread for dipping.
🔄 Variations
- Add other seafood like calamari rings or scallops.
- Include a can of corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
- A splash of white wine can be added with the broth for extra depth of flavor.