An amazing stew inspired on our national soup, this 'Sancocho' de Mariscos (Shellfish Stew) is thick and hearty and loaded with the flavors of the sea.
Why we ❤️ it
I gotta be honest with you, this is a recipe inspired by one of my favorite soups in one of my favorite restaurants, I always order it when I go there and decided I wanted to create my homemade version.
But why "sancocho"?
About this recipe
Well, here's another confession: this soup has a lot of in common with our beloved meaty stew, most notably the some of the roots and plantain, but there's also a lot difference when it comes to taste, and cooking method. Please don't hold that against me.
Anyway, I am sure you won't once you try it.
This is the perfect time of the year for soups, especially the long-cooking ones. I seriously recommend this "sancocho" de mariscos (shellfish stew) loaded with the flavors of the sea, thick and hearty. And whatever ails you these days, this is the soup to warm your bones or lift your spirits. Heaven knows we all need that sometimes.
Recipe
"Sancocho" de Mariscos Recipe (Shellfish Stew)
Ingredients
- 3 pound shrimp (large, uncooked and peeled), [1.4 kg]
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dry, ground)
- 4 sprigs of thyme
- 4 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 plantain (green, unripe), peeled and sliced
- 1½ pound auyama (kabocha squash), [0.7 kg] (West Indies pumpkin), peeled and cubed, divided
- 1 pound waxy potatoes, [0.45 kg] peeled and cubed
- 2 pound assorted shellfish and seafood, [0.9 kg] (see notes)
- 1 sprig cilantro
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, (or more, to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly-cracked, or ground), (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Make broth: Shell the shrimp and separate shells/heads from the rest. Return shrimp to the refrigerator.Boil the shells and heads over low heat in 2 quarts [2 lt] of water for 45 mins, frequently replenishing the water to maintain the same level.Sieve to separate the liquid from the solids. Discard the solids.
- Cook vegetables: Heat broth over medium heat, add oregano, thyme, and garlic.Add the plantains and half the pumpkin to the liquid and boil until everything is cooked through (10-15 mins). Add water as it becomes necessary to maintain the same level.
- Make base: Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Discard the thyme and blend until all the solids have dissolved.Heat this mixture and add the potatoes and remaining pumpkin, simmering over low heat until the solids are cooked through.
- Cook shellfish: Add the shellfish and shrimp tails. Simmer until the shrimp turns bright pink (5-10 mins). Stir in cilantro and lime juice, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from the heat and serve warm. It goes great with some avocado slices, so do if you have avocado.
Tips and Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutritional information.
