Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Tomato Mediterranean Shrimp Stew is the perfect balance of spice, heat, and freshness. The shrimp absorbs the rich, aromatic tomato sauce, while the chili adds a subtle heat that lingers but doesn’t overpower. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley bring a burst of Mediterranean flavor to every bite. It’s quick to prepare and a great one-pot dish that brings together all the goodness of Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of chili warmth. This stew is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1-2 fresh red chili peppers, chopped (or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes)

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

  • Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

    • Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers (or red pepper flakes) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Build the Stew Base:

    • Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom and infuse the oil.

    • Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together, and bring to a simmer. Let the stew cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

  3. Cook the Shrimp:

    • Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.

  4. Adjust Seasoning:

    • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili if you want more heat. Add lemon juice if desired for an extra burst of freshness.

  5. Serve:

    • Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil. Serve the stew warm with crusty bread, rice, or couscous.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes

  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy: Add more fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat of the stew. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

  • Vegetarian: To make the stew vegetarian, replace the shrimp with hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or chickpeas. You can also add some feta cheese for extra flavor.

  • Add olives: For a more Mediterranean flavor, stir in a handful of pitted Kalamata olives during the last few minutes of cooking.

  • Extra greens: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the stew towards the end for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

Storage/reheating

  • Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to thin the sauce. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I use a different type of seafood in this stew?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with other seafood such as scallops, mussels, or fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time according to the seafood you choose to ensure it cooks properly.

How do I make the stew spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili peppers or add extra red pepper flakes to the stew. For even more heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base of the stew ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and add the shrimp just before serving. This will help the flavors develop even more.

Can I freeze this stew?

Since shrimp doesn’t freeze well after being cooked, it’s best to freeze the stew without the shrimp. You can freeze the tomato and spice base and then add fresh shrimp when reheating.

Can I add vegetables to this stew?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture. Simply add them during the simmering stage and cook until tender.

Conclusion

Chili Tomato Mediterranean Shrimp Stew is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of Mediterranean ingredients with a hint of spice. The rich tomato broth, aromatic herbs, and tender shrimp create a perfect balance of heat, savory flavor, and freshness. This stew is easy to prepare, healthy, and packed with delicious Mediterranean flair. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chili Tomato Mediterranean Shrimp Stew

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
Print Recipe

Description

Chili Tomato Mediterranean Shrimp Stew is a flavorful, vibrant dish combining tender shrimp with a spicy tomato base, Mediterranean herbs, and chili heat. It’s a perfect balance of savory, aromatic spices and freshness, ideal for cozy dinners or a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 fresh red chili peppers, chopped (or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers (or red pepper flakes) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom and infuse the oil.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together, and bring to a simmer. Let the stew cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
  6. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili if you want more heat. Add lemon juice if desired for an extra burst of freshness.
  7. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil. Serve the stew warm with crusty bread, rice, or couscous.

Notes

For a spicier stew, add more fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or chickpeas, and add feta cheese for extra flavor.Stir in Kalamata olives for a more Mediterranean flavor.Add spinach or kale towards the end for extra greens and a pop of color.Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star