Sopa de Mariscos Nicaragüense
A rich and flavorful seafood soup, brimming with a variety of fresh seafood in a savory broth, often enhanced with coconut milk and local spices. It's a hearty and comforting dish, popular along Nicaragua's coastlines.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 1 lb Mussels(cleaned)
- 1 lb Clams(scrubbed clean)
- 1 lb White fish fillets(such as snapper or cod, cut into chunks)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 pinch Optional: A pinch of chili flakes
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the broth is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously. - 5
Add the white fish chunks to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5 minutes until the fish begins to flake.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Add the shrimp, mussels, and clams to the pot. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the mussels and clams have opened. Discard any mussels or clams that do not open.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Cooking time for shellfish can vary, so watch them closely. - 7
Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes to taste.
💡 Tip: Add cilantro and lime juice at the end to preserve their fresh flavor. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired. This soup is excellent served with crusty bread or rice.
💡 Tip: Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference.
- ✓If fresh mussels and clams are unavailable, you can use frozen ones, but ensure they are thawed and rinsed thoroughly.
🔄 Variations
- Add other seafood like squid rings or scallops.
- Include some diced plantains for a touch of sweetness.
- A splash of white wine can add depth to the broth.