Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
06 - 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
07 - 720 ml low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seafood

08 - 450 g medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Spices and Seasoning

09 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
16 - 1-2 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped (optional, for extra spice)

# Instructions:

01 - Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and slice the carrot. Peel and devein the shrimp, if not already done.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced carrot. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
05 - Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and allow the soup to simmer for 5-6 minutes to develop flavor.
06 - Add the prepared shrimp to the pot, stirring gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
07 - Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if necessary.
08 - Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top with chopped cilantro and, if desired, extra lime wedges or fresh chili peppers for added color and heat.

# Notes:

01 - For a deeper flavor, add the shrimp at the end and avoid overcooking to maintain their tenderness.