New Orleans Style Shrimp And Corn Soup
If you are looking for a delicious and warming soup to make at home, then you should definitely try New Orleans style shrimp and corn soup. This dish is a staple in many Louisiana households and is loved for its rich and comforting flavors. In this article, we will discuss what makes this soup unique, how to make it yourself, and some tips for perfecting the recipe.
What Makes New Orleans Style Shrimp And Corn Soup Unique?
New Orleans style shrimp and corn soup is unique in that it combines the flavors of fresh seafood with the sweetness of corn. It is typically made with a roux base (flour and oil mixture) and is thick and creamy. Other ingredients that are commonly used in this soup include onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
One of the great things about this soup is that it is so versatile. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, depending on your personal preferences. Some people like to add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick, while others prefer to keep it mild and add more salt or black pepper.
How To Make New Orleans Style Shrimp And Corn Soup
Now that you know a little bit about what makes this soup unique, let's talk about how to make it yourself. Here is a simple recipe that you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 16 oz frozen corn kernels
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns a light brown color (about 10-15 minutes).
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and stir until the vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the garlic and stir for another minute.
- Gradually add the chicken stock and milk to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the corn, shrimp, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If you like your soup spicy, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaves and serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips For Perfecting The Recipe
While the recipe above is fairly straightforward, there are a few tips that can help you perfect your New Orleans style shrimp and corn soup:
- Use fresh shrimp if possible. Frozen shrimp will work in a pinch, but fresh shrimp will give you a much better flavor and texture.
- Be patient when making the roux. It can take up to 15 minutes for the roux to turn the right color, but it is important to whisk constantly so that it does not burn.
- If you like your soup thicker, you can add more flour to the roux. If you like it thinner, you can add more milk or chicken stock.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Some people like to add red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
Conclusion
New Orleans style shrimp and corn soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. With its rich and creamy texture and fresh seafood flavor, it is sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you follow the recipe above or make your own tweaks and adjustments, be sure to enjoy this soup with some crusty bread and a big appetite!