Savory Mexican Seafood Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of South Texas with this hearty Mexican Seafood Soup, inspired by the culinary wisdom of Velda de La Garza's 'Healthy Mexican Cooking'. Perfectly balancing the richness of fresh seafood with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is a celebration of coastal cuisine. Whether you prefer a combination of shrimp and fish or wish to explore other seafood like octopus, this adaptable recipe promises warmth and satisfaction. Enjoy it as is for a delicious seafood experience, or modify it easily to create a comforting Caldo de Pollo by substituting chicken. Serve this flavorful soup alongside tortilla chips and fresh salsa for a delightful meal any time of year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 cup (chopped)
tomatoes
2 medium (peeled, seeded and chopped)
anaheim chilies
2 (seeded, deveined, and cut into strips)
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded, deveined, and minced)
potatoes
2 medium (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (crushed)
fish
1 lb (cut into small pieces (white ocean fish, shrimp, or a combination))
cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
lime juice
6 tablespoons (about 1-1/2 limes, freshly squeezed)
chicken broth
4 cups (low-sodium if preferred)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
water
as needed (to free spices)
Instructions
1
In a mortar and pestle (or a molcajete if available), crush the cumin seeds until finely ground. Then, add the minced garlic and jalapeño, continuing to crush into a smooth paste. If needed, add a splash of water to facilitate the grinding.
2
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes and strips of anaheim chilies into the pot, and continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4
Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, oregano, bay leaves, and the crushed spice mixture to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 40 minutes.
5
After 40 minutes, add the fish pieces and chopped cilantro to the pot. Stir gently and allow to simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, ensuring the fish cooks through.
6
Season to taste with lime juice, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, accompanied by tortilla chips and fresh salsa for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mexican Seafood Delight?
It is a hearty Mexican Seafood Soup inspired by South Texas coastal cuisine and the culinary wisdom of Velda de La Garza.
What type of seafood can be used in this recipe?
You can use white ocean fish, shrimp, or even octopus, either individually or in combination.
How do I prepare the spice paste for the soup?
Using a mortar and pestle or molcajete, crush cumin seeds into a fine powder, then add minced garlic and jalapeno to create a smooth paste.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can adapt it based on your preference or dietary needs, such as using vegetable broth.
How long should I saute the onions?
The onions should be sauteed in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become translucent.
What should I do if the spice mixture is too dry to grind?
You can add a small splash of water to the mortar and pestle to help facilitate the grinding process.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being added to the pot.
When do I add the anaheim chilies?
Incorporate the seeded, deveined, and stripped anaheim chilies along with the chopped tomatoes after the onions are translucent.
What size should the potato cubes be?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
How long does the soup simmer before adding the seafood?
Once the potatoes, broth, and spices are added, cover and simmer the soup gently for 40 minutes.
At what point do I add the fish pieces?
Add the fish pieces and chopped cilantro after the initial 40-minute simmer.
How long does it take for the fish to cook?
The fish should simmer uncovered in the soup for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How is the soup finished before serving?
Season the soup to taste with freshly squeezed lime juice and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Can I turn this into a chicken soup?
Yes, this recipe is easily modified to create Caldo de Pollo by substituting the seafood with chicken.
What are the recommended accompaniments for this dish?
Serve the hot soup with tortilla chips and fresh salsa for added texture and flavor.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of crushed cumin seeds.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 6 tablespoons of lime juice, which is approximately the juice of 1-1/2 limes.
Which dried herbs are included?
The soup includes 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 2 whole bay leaves.
How much olive oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is the jalapeno pepper seeded?
Yes, the jalapeno should be seeded, deveined, and minced.
How much chicken broth does the recipe require?
The recipe uses 4 cups of chicken broth, preferably low-sodium.
What is the total amount of fish or seafood needed?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of fish or seafood cut into small pieces.
Do I leave the bay leaves in the soup?
The instructions mention adding 2 whole bay leaves during the simmer process for flavor.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for cooking the soup.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped cilantro.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
It is a savory, spicy, and vibrant soup with citrus notes from the lime juice.
Is this a traditional Mexican recipe?
It is a healthy Mexican-inspired dish specifically drawing from South Texas coastal influences.
Can I use frozen fish?
While fresh seafood is suggested, you can use frozen fish as long as it is thawed and cut into small pieces before adding to the simmer.
What is the purpose of the anaheim chilies?
They provide a mild to medium heat and a specific pepper flavor that complements the seafood.