Caldo de Camarón, a classic Mexican dish, is a flavorful and healthy shrimp broth that perfectly captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. Packed with vegetables and a generous helping of succulent shrimp, this satisfying dish is certain to impress. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend meal or want to add a bit of spice to your diet, this traditional caldo de camarón recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients for Caldo de Camarón
Shrimp: You will need 1 pound of large, unpeeled shrimp. Make sure that they are fresh and free of any offodors.
Vegetables: You’ll want to use 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tomatoes, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 medium carrot, 1 celery stalk and 1 medium-sized zucchini. Rinse and finely chop the vegetables beforehand.
Add-ins: Seasonings for caldo de camarón usually include 2 bay leaves, 2 whole cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon paprika. For a little extra tang, add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Preparing Caldo de Camarón
Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp, then rinse them and set them aside. Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, add the onions and garlic and cook until they are golden and fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the lime juice) and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors of the vegetables to meld and infuse the broth.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the shrimp, bay leaves, whole cloves, black peppercorns, salt, paprika and enough water to completely cover the ingredients. Turn up the heat to bring the broth to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, add the zucchini and lime juice and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Remember to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serving Caldo de Camarón
Once your caldo de camarón is cooked, carefully ladle it into a serving bowl and serve it hot alongside some fresh corn tortillas or a bowl of steamed rice. Slicing up a bit of lime for an extra squeeze of citrus adds a bit of brightness to the dish.
This classic Mexican shrimp broth is a perfect addition to any meal. Its bold, savory flavor and nutritious ingredients make it an ideal comfort food while its light and fresh taste also works as a perfect appetizer. Give this tried-and-true shrimp soup recipe a try and make it part of your weekly menu. Enjoy!
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