Spicy Tomato, Seafood, and Chorizo Stew Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Seafood and Chorizo Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces chorizo sausage
• 1 (32 ounce) chicken stock or broth
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Hunt's no salt added Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained
• 1 (11 ounce) can Mexican-style corn, drained
• 1 (7 ounce) can salsa verde
• 1 teaspoons ground cumin
• teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper (or to taste)
• 1 pound cod fillets (or other firm white fish like halibut), cut into chunks
• 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch chopped green onions
• 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, poblano peppers, and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the ground chorizo sausage. Cook and stir, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In a large soup pot, pour in the chicken stock. Add the drained Hunt's tomatoes, Mexican-style corn, salsa verde, cumin, chipotle pepper, and the softened onion-peppers-garlic mixture. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Next, stir in the cod chunks, shrimp, and the cooked chorizo. Continue to simmer the soup until the fish and shrimp are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Once everything is cooked, ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 443
• Total Fat: 20g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (31% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 185mg (62% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2006mg (87% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 42g (84% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 38mg (43% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 85mg (7% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (22% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1169mg (25% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Spicy Tomato, Seafood, and Chorizo Stew is a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of seafood, chorizo sausage, and a blend of spices, all swimming in a vibrant, tangy tomato broth. This stew is not just a treat for the taste buds, but a dish steeped in tradition and cultural significance.

Origin and History

The origins of this dish can be traced to the culinary traditions of Mexico, where seafood stews are beloved for their depth of flavor and hearty nature. The combination of fresh seafood and chorizo, a type of spicy sausage, reflects the Mexican penchant for bold and complex flavors. Seafood is a common ingredient along the coast, while chorizo and other spiced sausages are popular in the interior. This stew marries the two in a rich and comforting dish, often enjoyed during family gatherings or as a satisfying meal on cooler evenings.

Regional Variations

In Mexico, seafood stews like this one are particularly popular in coastal regions, where fresh fish and shrimp are readily available. The use of poblano peppers, cumin, and chipotle chile adds a smoky, spicy heat typical of the central and southern parts of the country. While chorizo is a staple in many Mexican dishes, the addition of this sausage to a seafood stew is a relatively modern twist, likely influenced by the fusion of coastal and inland culinary traditions.

Distinctive Features

What sets this stew apart from similar seafood soups, such as the popular Mexican dish sopa de mariscos, is the inclusion of chorizo. The spicy sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the delicate taste of the fish and shrimp. The use of salsa verde and the combination of tomatoes, poblano peppers, and chipotle peppers creates a unique depth of flavor not commonly found in other seafood stews. This dish is also notable for its vibrant color and robust, spicy kick, which is a hallmark of many Mexican dishes.

Where It's Served

This stew is typically served in casual settings like family dinners, gatherings, or festive celebrations, often accompanied by rice, corn tortillas, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Its especially popular in coastal towns, where fresh seafood is abundant, but it has found its way to homes and restaurants across Mexico and beyond. In the United States, variations of this stew can often be found in Mexican and Latin American restaurants, particularly in regions with large Mexican communities.

Interesting Facts

• The addition of chorizo to a seafood stew is a relatively recent innovation, highlighting the blending of coastal and inland Mexican culinary traditions.
• While cod is commonly used in this stew, other firm white fish, such as halibut or tilapia, can be substituted based on availability or preference.
• The stew's base, made with chicken stock, tomatoes, and salsa verde, forms a tangy, savory foundation that is both refreshing and hearty.
• This dish showcases the versatility of chorizo, which is traditionally used in a wide range of Mexican dishes, from tacos to breakfast scrambles.

Whether enjoyed on a cold evening or served at a summer gathering, Spicy Tomato, Seafood, and Chorizo Stew offers a flavorful journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine, combining the best of coastal and inland flavors in one satisfying bowl.

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