Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight

Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup is a versatile, heartwarming dish that’s packed with fresh, savory flavors, perfect for any season. In this recipe, we combine the sweetness of shrimp with the acidic tang of tomatoes, the subtle sharpness of garlic and onions, and the unique herbal touch of dill. This soup is easy to make, quick to prepare, and light yet satisfying. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for a healthy meal option, this Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup is an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup

This soup has several advantages that make it popular among both home cooks and professional chefs:

Quick and Easy: It’s a simple recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, while tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Light yet Satisfying: The soup is low in calories, making it ideal for a light meal or as a starter.
Perfect for Any Season: This soup can be served warm for cold days or at room temperature for a summer lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create a rich, layered flavor, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, each contributing its unique essence to the dish.

Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of the dish, adding a slightly sweet, tender flavor. When choosing shrimp, fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp are best.
Garlic: Garlic provides a warm, aromatic base. Its slight pungency balances the sweetness of the shrimp and tomatoes.
Onion: Onion brings depth and a subtle sweetness. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions are also suitable.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are recommended, but canned tomatoes work well too, especially if they’re high-quality.
Dill: Dill adds a unique, fresh flavor with hints of anise and lemon. It pairs wonderfully with seafood, enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavors.
Broth: Seafood or chicken broth provides the perfect savory foundation for the soup.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 large onion (diced)
4 medium tomatoes (diced) or 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
4 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
Optional: Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until it turns translucent. This step releases the natural sugars in the onion, adding sweetness to the soup base. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally. Garlic burns quickly, so watch it closely to ensure it doesn’t become bitter.

2. Add Tomatoes for a Rich Base

Next, add the diced tomatoes to the pot. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, allow them to cook down for about 5 minutes to soften and release their juices. For canned tomatoes, simply heat them through. Tomatoes add an acidic brightness that balances the other ingredients, and cooking them enhances their natural sweetness. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can gently mash the tomatoes with the back of a spoon as they cook.

3. Pour in the Broth

Pour in 4 cups of broth to create the soup base. Seafood broth enhances the flavors of the shrimp, while chicken broth offers a milder taste if seafood broth isn’t available. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allowing the broth to simmer for 10 minutes melds the flavors, creating a cohesive, savory base for the shrimp.

4. Add the Shrimp and Fresh Dill

Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Add the shrimp directly to the pot, allowing them to cook for 3-5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them tough. Stir in the fresh dill and season the soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. The dill’s herbal notes pair perfectly with the shrimp, adding a light, refreshing finish to each bite.

5. Serve with Lemon Wedges

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the soup, adding an extra layer of flavor that’s both zesty and refreshing. Garnish with extra dill if you like a more pronounced herbal note.

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup

Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the shrimp and tomatoes significantly impacts the taste.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and dill to suit your preferences.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender.
Experiment with Broth: Seafood broth intensifies the flavors, but chicken broth is a good substitute if you prefer a milder taste.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

Shrimp is rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Tomatoes provide antioxidants, including lycopene, known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Dill is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which boosts immunity.

Variations of Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup

Looking to customize your Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup? Here are some easy variations:

Creamy Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Spicy Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup: Include more red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Shrimp and Rice Tomato Dill Soup: Add 1/2 cup of cooked rice for extra body and texture.
Vegetable-Packed Shrimp Soup: Toss in vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to make it heartier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp in this soup?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

You can prepare the soup base ahead of time, but it’s best to add the shrimp just before serving to avoid overcooking.

3. What other herbs work well in this soup?

Basil, parsley, and thyme complement the flavors of this soup nicely. However, dill has a distinct flavor that pairs especially well with seafood.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stove, avoiding high heat to keep the shrimp tender.

5. Can I freeze Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup base without the shrimp for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the base, bring it to a simmer, then add the shrimp.

The Nutritional Profile of Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 200
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 6g
Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 10% DV
Calcium: 8% DV

This soup is low in calories, high in protein, and a good source of essential nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal for any occasion. With a balance of protein from shrimp, antioxidants from tomatoes, and the unique, refreshing flavor of dill, this soup is sure to please your palate while providing essential nutrients. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is easy to follow and hard to beat. Give it a try, and let this delicious Shrimp Tomato Dill Soup become a staple in your kitchen.

Enjoy your cooking adventure, and happy eating!

This recipe not only provides a detailed cooking guide but also incorporates variations, tips, health benefits, and answers to common questions, making it a valuable resource for readers looking to create an unforgettable meal. With optimized keywords, structured headings, and high-quality content, this recipe is designed to rank well and satisfy users searching for a tasty, nutritious shrimp soup.

Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits