Mediterranean Shrimp & Rice Soup
A simple, warm, and hearty soup is all we crave all winter long. This one is full of shrimp, brown rice, and rich flavor to really hit the spot. It’s healthy and delicious and one you can really feel good about.
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-
Spray olive oil
- 1 1/2 lb.
raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (VEG option: portobello mushroom, eggplant)
-
pinch of sea salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp.
olive oil
- 1 tbsp.
fresh garlic, minced
- 1 c.
diced white onion
- 1 tbsp.
dried thyme
- 5 c.
low-sodium chicken stock or broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1
(14.5-oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 c.
cooked brown rice (LOW CARB swap – 3 cups frozen or raw cauliflower rice)
- 2
bay leaves
- 1 c.
diced bell pepper (I used a combination of yellow, red, and orange)
- 4 c.
raw spinach
-
Lemon juice, for garnish
-
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
-
- Step 1Set skillet on HIGH heat. Once hot, spray with a little oil, then toss in shrimp. Add a pinch of sea salt and pepper while they cook. Cook until the outside edges of the shrimp are seared (or slightly burned), about 6 – 8 minutes, then remove from the skillet to set aside.
- Step 2Reduce the heat to medium, then add oil, onion, and garlic. Caramelize the onions and be careful not to burn the garlic. Scrape the bottom of the pan if there are pieces of shrimp or seasoning left there. After 2 minutes, add thyme and continue stirring another minute.
- Step 3Add broth, tomatoes, and rice, then bring to a light simmer. Once it simmers, add a few pinches of sea salt & pepper and the bay leaves. Reduce heat to LOW and cover and cook for at least 20 minutes.
- Step 4After 20 minutes, add diced bell pepper and spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts, then add cover and cook again for 10 minutes. Be sure nothing is burning and there is adequate liquid in the pot. If not, simply add 1/2 cup of chicken stock until it is to your desired thickness.
- Step 5Season to taste with sea salt and pepper, then garnish with lemon and parsley.
