This warm and comforting soup is a tasty mix of juicy tomatoes, tender shrimp, and fluffy rice. It’s like a sunny day in a bowl! Perfect for any meal!
Whenever I make this soup, I can’t help but enjoy the aroma filling my kitchen. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy day—just stir, simmer, and serve!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal for this recipe as it offers great flavor and a tender texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp works too—just thaw it properly before cooking. You could also use chicken or chickpeas for a different protein option.
Rice: Long-grain rice gives the soup a nice texture. However, basmati or jasmine rice can also be used for a fragrant twist. If you prefer a gluten-free option, brown rice will work but may require extra cooking time.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient, but you can substitute with fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Just chop them up and use about 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes can also add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, but you can replace it with kale or Swiss chard. If using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
How Do You Cook Rice Perfectly in Soup?
Cooking rice in soup can be tricky since overcooked rice turns mushy. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Ensure your broth is boiling before adding the rice. This helps the rice cook evenly.
- Stir the rice into the broth to prevent clumping. Be gentle—over-stirring can make it mushy.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to simmer. Keep an eye on the time to avoid overcooking—usually about 15 minutes should do it.
You can add the shrimp right after the rice is done, cooking them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re pink. Remember, shrimp cook quickly, so don’t let them sit too long!
How to Make Mediterranean Tomato, Shrimp & Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or seafood broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell its lovely aroma. Then, sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick!). Cook the spices for about 30 seconds to help release their flavors.
3. Combine Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juice. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. After that, add the broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4. Add Rice and Simmer:
Once boiling, toss in the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is nice and tender.
5. Add Shrimp:
When the rice is ready, add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. They’ll be perfectly cooked and delicious!
6. Finish with Spinach:
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your hearty Mediterranean soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and alongside lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze over the top. Enjoy every spoonful of this flavorful creation!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the soup to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a substitute, quinoa or pearl couscous works great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions—usually, quinoa will take about 15 minutes, and couscous about 10-12 minutes to cook.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens after chilling, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them with the onion at the beginning to ensure they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
