Mediterranean Seafood Shrimp Chili (Printable)
Succulent shrimp and tender fish simmered with Mediterranean spices, olives, and vegetables in a rich tomato-based broth.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 10 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 9 oz firm white fish (cod, halibut, or sea bass), cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced
08 - 3.5 oz pitted green olives, halved
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasoning
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Liquids
16 - 1 2/3 cups fish or vegetable stock
17 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
→ Garnish
19 - 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
20 - Lemon wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
03 - Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their oils.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
05 - Add white fish pieces and simmer for 8 minutes until just opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Do not overcook.
06 - Stir in shrimp and olives. Simmer 4-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
07 - Remove from heat. Squeeze in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its lighter than beef chili but still feels substantial and cozy
- The Mediterranean spices make it taste like a vacation in a bowl
- Everything cooks in one pot so cleanup is practically nonexistent
02 -
- Overcooking the shrimp makes them rubbery so watch them closely in those last few minutes
- The flavors actually improve overnight if you can resist eating it all immediately
- Cinnamon might seem unusual but it creates a warmth that ties everything together beautifully
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly and look beautiful
- Pat the seafood dry before adding it to prevent the broth from becoming cloudy