Peru Food Recipe: Chupe de Camarones - Shrimp Soup

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and if you're looking for a healthy and hearty dish, you can't go wrong with a classic Chupe de Camarones soup. This traditional Peruvian dish is flavorful, featuring shrimp, potatoes, corn, and other veggies and spices. But making a delicious Chupe de Camarones soup at home can be intimidating, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the recipe or the ingredients.

That's why I'm here to guide you through the process, step by step. In this article, we'll explore the history of Chupe de Camarones, discuss the benefits of making it at home, and provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe to impress your friends and family. So grab your apron, and let's get cooking!

The Peruvian food and gastronomy is well known for the delicious recipes with seafood, the Peruvian Chupe de Camarones (Shrimp Soup) is a clear example of this.  This delicious soup is perfect for a big meal on weekends, with all your friends and family because the best way to eat it is with a good company.

Peruvian dishes usually use different kind of peppers for achieving the distinctive taste, you might try them without the authentic spices and peppers, but we strongly recommend using the true Peruvian ingredients for the chupe de camarones.

As a final advice, we recommend cleaning well all the shrimps you will use, don´t leave them with the head shell since the shrimp has part of the intestines there. Also, you may add the vegetables you prefer to the soup. Try out this recipe, it will bring the Peru food right to your dining table. 

Ingredients (6portions)

• 35 oz. of shrimps
• 17 oz. potatoes (Yellow potatoes are better for this recipe)
• 1 cup of lentejon (Lentils)
• ¼ cup of rice
• 5 fl oz. of evaporated milk
• 1 red onion
• 1 tablespoon of aji panca paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 2 tablespoon of oil
• 1 egg per serving (In this case we are considering 6 portion)
• 5 oz. of fresh cheese
• 1 tablespoon of ground oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Preparation

1. Clean the shrimps and keep apart. Also, on another bowl, keep the “coral” which is the orange liquid that comes out of the shrimps head when you squeeze them gently. Add a bit of water to the coral and strain them, so there are no shrimp shells left.
2. Cut the red onion into small cubes and keep it apart. Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium cubes, keep them apart on another bowl.
3. On a pot, warm some oil with high heat and fry the onion, the garlic paste, the aji panca, salt and pepper.
4. Once the onion seems transparent, add the “corals” from the shrimps previously cleaned. Stir a bit.
5. Add 2 liters of water to the pot preparation. Mix well all the ingredients and keep the high heat.
6. When the water starts boiling, add the rice and the lentejon. Stir well the ingredients and keep the high heat.
7. After a few minutes, when the lentejon are a bit soft (Half cooked) add the potatoes. Let them boil together for a couple of minutes and check them from time to time.
8. When the potatoes are soft, add the already cleaned shrimps to the preparation and low the heat.
9. Wait 2 minutes and then add some fresh cheese chopped in small cubes. Add the eggs scrambled and the ground oregano. Stir everything together.
10. After 1 minute the cheese had melt and the eggs are cooked, add the evaporated milk and integrate all the ingredients together. It’s ready to serve and enjoy the Peruvian Chupe de Camarones.

Nutritional Benefits of Chupe de Camarones Soup

Chupe de Camarones is a nutritious and delicious soup packed with vitamins and minerals. Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, while potatoes and corn provide fiber and complex carbohydrates. The soup is also rich in vitamins A and C and iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. 

One of the best things about making Chupe de Camarones soup at home is that you can control the ingredients and adjust the recipe to suit your health goals. For example, you can use low-sodium broth or reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to make it more heart-healthy. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, to boost the nutritional content of the soup.

Chupe de Camarones soup is also an excellent option for it losing or maintaining a healthy weight. The soup is low in calories and fat but still filling and satisfying. It's a great way to get a healthy dose of protein and veggies in a single meal.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments for Chupe de Camarones Soup.

Chupe de Camarones soup is delicious on its own, but it's even better when served with some tasty accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

- Crusty bread or crackers: Serve the soup with some crusty bread or crackers to soak up the broth.

- Avocado or guacamole: Top the soup with some creamy avocado or guacamole for a delicious addition.

- Ceviche: Serve the soup as a starter to a Peruvian-style meal, with a side of ceviche.

- Salad: Serve the soup with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chupe de Camarones Soup.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them before cooking.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the soup in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors will actually develop more over time.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use any crumbly cheese, like queso blanco or goat cheese, instead of queso fresco or feta.