Ingredients:
For the Seafood Soup:
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- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab, if preferred)
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
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- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth if preferred)
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- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
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- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley(optional for garnish)
For the Bread Bowls:
- 4 large round bread bowls (sourdough, French bread, or any sturdy round loaf works best)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing on the bread)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Bowls:
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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- Cut the tops off the bread bowls and hollow out the insides, leaving a thick border around the edges to keep the structure intact. Be sure to leave enough bread on the sides and bottom to hold the soup.
- Brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with a little olive oil or melted butter.
- Place the hollowed-out bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is slightly toasted and golden. Set aside.
2. Make the Seafood Soup:
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- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
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- Pour in the seafood stock (or chicken broth) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream, white wine (if using), Old Bay seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the soup is creamy and flavorful.
- Add the shrimp and crab meat to the pot and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Serve the Soup in the Bread Bowls:
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- Ladle the hot seafood soup into each toasted bread bowl. Be generous with the soup, filling it to the brim.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
4. Enjoy:
- Serve the soup immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the fun of eating the soup directly from the bread bowl. The bread will soak up the soup, adding flavor and texture as you go!
Tips for Success:
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- Sturdy Bread: Choose a hearty bread like sourdough or French bread that won’t fall apart when filled with the soup. Avoid soft breads that might collapse under the weight of the liquid.
- Seafood Choices: Feel free to adjust the seafood mix depending on what you have available. You can add scallops, clams, or even lobster if you’re looking for a more luxurious version.
- Make Ahead: The soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving in the bread bowls.
- Leftovers: If you have leftover soup (without the bread bowl), store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy seafood soup is perfectly balanced with shrimp, crab, and aromatic vegetables, creating a comforting, savory dish.
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- Unique Presentation: Serving the soup in a bread bowl is not only delicious but adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for a fancy dinner at home, a holiday meal, or a cozy dinner with friends.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seafood and seasoning to your preference, making it your own special recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving extra bread, a side of garlic bread or breadsticks will complement the soup nicely.
This Stuffed Seafood Soup Bread Bowl is an indulgent and comforting meal that combines the best of seafood, creamy soup, and hearty bread. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious, satisfying dinner. Enjoy!