Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão)

Introduction

Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão) is a rustic and comforting dish that exemplifies the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. This traditional Portuguese soup, known as Açorda, is a celebration of garlic, cilantro, and olive oil, with chunks of day-old bread providing a hearty base. The addition of succulent fresh shrimp elevates this humble soup into a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy evening or a light lunch. The combination of textures – the soft bread, tender shrimp, and aromatic broth – creates a delightful culinary experience that showcases the best of Portuguese cuisine.

The first time I tasted Açorda de Alho com Camarão, I was struck by the incredible depth of flavor that could be achieved with such simple ingredients. The garlic-infused broth, rich with olive oil and cilantro, was incredibly fragrant and comforting. The addition of fresh shrimp added a touch of sweetness and richness that perfectly complemented the other flavors. It was a dish that felt both rustic and refined, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and the ability to use up leftover bread in a delicious and creative way. The soup is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. You can customize it by adding a poached egg for extra richness, using different types of seafood, or adjusting the amount of garlic to suit your personal preference. No matter how you choose to prepare it, Açorda de Alho com Camarão is guaranteed to be a comforting and flavorful dish that will transport you to the sunny shores of Portugal.

Perfect for

• Cozy weeknight dinners
• Light lunches
• Using up leftover bread
• Celebrating Portuguese cuisine
• Seafood lovers
• Garlic enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp Recipe

Here’s why Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão) will become your new favorite dish:

• Intense Garlic Flavor: The generous amount of garlic creates a bold and aromatic flavor that is the heart of this soup.
• Comforting and Rustic: The soft bread and flavorful broth create a comforting and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Fresh Shrimp Addition: The addition of fresh shrimp elevates this humble soup into a more substantial and flavorful dish.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
• Versatile and Customizable: The recipe can be easily customized with different types of seafood, herbs, or spices to suit your personal preferences.
• Uses Leftover Bread: A great way to reduce food waste and create a delicious meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão):

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 loaf day-old crusty bread (such as Portuguese or sourdough), torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 poached eggs (optional, for extra richness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Shrimp: Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a fresh, sea-like aroma.
• Garlic: The star of the show! Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and aroma. It is a key component of the soup’s richness.
• Crusty Bread: Day-old bread works best, as it soaks up the broth without becoming mushy. Portuguese bread or sourdough are excellent choices.
• Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor that is essential to the authentic taste of this soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão):

Prepare the Garlic and Shrimp:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

Make the Soup:

1. Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Add Bread: Add the torn bread to the pot and stir to ensure it is submerged in the broth. Let the bread soak for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has softened and thickened the soup.
3. Stir in Cilantro: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and white wine vinegar (or lemon juice). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

1. Return Shrimp to Pot: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, top each bowl with a poached egg. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp

Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão) is best served warm and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• As a Starter: Serve as a flavorful and comforting starter to a larger meal.
• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of Açorda for a light and satisfying lunch.
• With a Side of Crusty Bread: Serve with extra crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Topped with a Poached Egg: Adding a poached egg elevates the soup and adds extra richness.
• With a Glass of Vinho Verde: Pair with a chilled glass of Vinho Verde (Portuguese green wine) for an authentic Portuguese experience.
• Garnished with Extra Cilantro: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

Additional Tips for Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão) is perfect every time:

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Watch the garlic carefully while sautéing to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic will make the soup bitter.
• Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old bread works best, as it will absorb the broth without becoming overly mushy.
• Adjust the Broth: If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and vinegar (or lemon juice) to taste.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in the most flavorful soup.

Recipe Variations for Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp

Here are some variations you can try for Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão):

• Seafood Medley Açorda: Add other types of seafood, such as clams, mussels, or white fish, to create a more complex seafood soup.
• Vegetarian Açorda: Omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spicy Açorda: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Mint and Coriander Açorda: Use a combination of fresh mint and cilantro for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Tomato Açorda: Add diced tomatoes to the soup for a tangy and flavorful twist.
• Lemon Açorda: Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a brighter and more citrusy flavor.
• Egg Drop Açorda: Whisk an egg and slowly drizzle it into the soup while stirring to create an egg drop effect.
• Cumin Spiced Açorda: Add a pinch of cumin to the soup for a warm and earthy flavor.
• Fennel Seed Açorda: Add a pinch of fennel seeds to the sautéed garlic for a subtle anise flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the bread may change upon thawing. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the broth separately from the bread. Cook the shrimp and allow both the broth and shrimp to cool completely before storing in separate airtight containers. Combine when reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão) easier:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is needed for preparing the soup.
• Cutting Board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for preparing the ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for mincing the garlic and chopping the cilantro.
• Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the soup.

FAQ Section for Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp

1. What type of bread is best for Açorda?
   Day-old crusty bread, such as Portuguese bread or sourdough, works best for Açorda. The crusty texture helps the bread retain its shape and not become too mushy in the broth.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
   While fresh shrimp is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen shrimp if necessary. Be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before adding it to the soup.
3. Is there a substitute for cilantro?
   If you dislike cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, but the flavor will be different. Cilantro is traditional to this dish.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
   Yes, you can add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them along with the broth and bread.
5. How can I make this soup vegan?
   To make this soup vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the shrimp and poached egg. Consider adding extra vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.

Print

Conclusion

Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp (Açorda de Alho com Camarão) is a comforting and flavorful dish that celebrates the simplicity and richness of Portuguese cuisine. The garlic-infused broth, soft bread, and succulent shrimp create a harmonious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a way to use up leftover bread, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

I’d love to see your Portuguese Bread and Garlic Soup with Fresh Shrimp creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your version—I can’t wait to see how you bring this luscious dish to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!