The combination of shrimp and smoky chorizo creates a dynamic and bold flavor profile that complements the creamy texture of the broth. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a satisfying balance of spices and richness, perfect for warming up during colder days.
This chowder is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste by adding more paprika or a dash of hot sauce. The creamy coconut milk lends a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the chorizo, while the shrimp adds a touch of tenderness to every bite. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a comforting, hearty meal.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup coconut milk
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to crisp up.
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Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for an additional 3 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add the shrimp and smoked paprika, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
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Ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes This Chowder Stand Out?
Shrimp and chorizo chowder is a flavor-packed dish that balances smokiness, spice, and creaminess in every spoonful. The rich combination of shrimp and chorizo results in a chowder that feels hearty yet indulgent. The chorizo brings a deep, smoky flavor with a little heat, while the shrimp adds a delicate texture, which complements the creamy broth. The broth, rich from the addition of half-and-half and seasoned with paprika, is the standout of this dish and becomes even more irresistible when paired with crusty bread for dipping.
This chowder is ideal for those who love bold flavors in a satisfying, comforting soup. While often, chowders are thought of as slow-cooked meals requiring hours of simmering, this recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, taking only about 45 minutes from start to finish. Despite the short cooking time, the chowder is packed with layers of flavor, making it seem as though it’s been simmering all day.
The Importance of Using Spanish Chorizo
When making this chowder, the type of chorizo you use is crucial to the final flavor. The recipe specifically calls for Spanish chorizo, which differs from the Mexican variety. Spanish chorizo is dry-cured and has a smoky, paprika-rich flavor, making it the perfect complement to the shrimp in this dish. It’s also a great texture for the chowder, as it cubes easily and releases its flavors into the oil when cooked, providing an aromatic base for the rest of the ingredients.
Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, is a fresh, loose, spiced ground pork sausage that would lend a very different flavor and texture to the soup. Therefore, it’s important to use the correct Spanish-style chorizo to get the best results. Brands like Boar’s Head offer quality Spanish chorizo that can be found in most well-stocked grocery stores.
Building Layers of Flavor
One of the secrets to making this chowder truly spectacular is the method of layering flavors. This technique starts with the chorizo, which is browned and renders fat, infusing the oil with its smoky essence. After removing the chorizo, onions, carrots, and garlic are added to the pot, allowing them to soften and deepen their flavor. Potatoes are then added, along with broth, tomatoes, and spices, to create a flavorful base that will simmer and marry the ingredients.
The final layers are added just before serving, with frozen corn and half-and-half providing a touch of sweetness and creaminess, respectively. The shrimp, added last, are cooked just long enough to ensure they remain tender and juicy, giving the chowder the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
This layered approach to building flavor ensures that no ingredient overpowers the others and that the resulting chowder is a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, creamy, and savory components.
Why Timing Matters with Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, and in a chowder like this, it’s important to add them at just the right moment. Overcooking shrimp can result in a rubbery, unpleasant texture. In this recipe, the shrimp are added at the very end, after the other ingredients have simmered together to build flavor. They only need about 2-3 minutes to cook through, turning pink and opaque. This ensures the shrimp remain tender, moist, and perfectly cooked, adding to the overall richness and texture of the chowder.
Perfect Pairings for This Chowder
When serving shrimp and chorizo chowder, less is more when it comes to accompaniments. This chowder is already rich and hearty on its own, so there’s no need for a complex side dish. A simple garnish of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and brightness, while toasted baguette slices are perfect for dipping into the delicious broth. The bread soaks up the creamy, smoky broth, making it the perfect accompaniment to this comforting meal.
While it’s tempting to add a variety of garnishes or serve with additional sides, this chowder is best kept simple. The smoky chorizo, tender shrimp, creamy broth, and toasted bread are all you need to create a satisfying, flavorful meal.
What Makes This Chowder Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a special occasion, shrimp and chorizo chowder is a dish that works well for any setting. Its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a comforting meal for cold weather, but it’s light enough to enjoy at any time of year. The combination of shrimp and chorizo adds an exotic flair to this classic soup, elevating it from a standard chowder to something truly special.
Additionally, this chowder is versatile. It can be adjusted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you could swap out the shrimp for another type of seafood or adjust the amount of chorizo to suit your taste. The addition of vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, could further enhance the dish, making it even more customizable. If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of half-and-half or substitute it with a non-dairy alternative.
Leftovers and Storage
One of the best things about this chowder is that it keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it more than once. The flavors only get better after sitting for a bit, making it an excellent dish to make in advance or to have leftovers from a dinner party. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, do so gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Conclusion
Shrimp and chorizo chowder is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of chorizo with the tender sweetness of shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy, aromatic broth. The recipe is straightforward yet delivers a depth of flavor that feels like it has been simmering all day, despite being ready in under an hour. The key to making this dish a success is the careful layering of ingredients, the use of Spanish chorizo, and the precise timing when adding the shrimp.
This chowder is a perfect meal for those looking for something hearty and satisfying, with enough richness to feel indulgent yet light enough to be enjoyed at any time. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bowl. So go ahead—add this chowder to your must-make list and enjoy every spoonful!
