Cajun Shrimp Soup

Ingredients -

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/4 Yellow Onion, finely chopped
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 Serrano Chili, seeded and finely chopped (see note)
1 (16 ounces) can Whole Plum Tomatoes, chopped with juice
2 cups Chicken Broth
1/2 teaspoon Fresh Thyme, minced
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 pound Shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1/2 teaspoon File Powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked Long-Grain Rice

Preparation:

1. Add olive oil to stockpot. Heat over medium-high heat.

2. Sauté onion until soft and translucent, 3-5 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, Serrano chili, chopped tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, minced fresh thyme, and cayenne pepper.

4. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes.

6. Stir in shrimp and file powder. Simmer 3-5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

To Serve:
1. Place ½-cup cooked rice in individual serving bowls.

2. Ladle shrimp soup over rice.

Soup Making Tip

Long-Grain Rice

White, brown or your favorite long-grain rice will work just fine in this shrimp soup recipe.

Soup Making Tip

Serrano Chili

Experts recommend wearing rubber gloves and not touching your eyes during or afterward when handling chili peppers.