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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
