Shrimp, Red Bean and Cauliflower Stew/soup
So I actually woke up feeling happy about the snowstorm/blizzard. I slept in and then proceeded to make this absolutely amazing shrimp, red bean and cauliflower soup. Now the idea came my way thinking of a white bean and shrimp soup. And of course, I had no white beans on hand. Shrimp I did. So red beans to the rescue. And I added fresh turmeric as I had some on hand. That color! This Shrimp, red bean and cauliflower stew is so very brilliant as in bright, not smart. I did this in two steps. I cooked the red beans in the instant pot. And while they were cooking, I gathered almost everything else that I had on hand.
A little bit about playing with the ingredients.
Another wildcard ingredient, for me anyway is fennel. I had made cioppino, and had some on hand and threw it in. The rest of all of this was odds and ends. Luckily, I also had some homemade chicken broth on hand. Huge flavor boost. The ingredients sound Creole at first blush. However, when all comes together it really is just its own thing. It might pass off as a curry. I mean there is heat, turmeric, garlic and herbs. But once again let us just think of it as a super flavorful stew.
Why this Shrimp, Red Bean and Cauliflower Stew so flexible?
Sometimes food like people cannot be pegged into a box. They need to breathe and find their own place on the planet. Not always boxed into a group. The reality of this recipe is that chances are you can make this with,
- Any bean of your choice.
- Most vegetables that you have on hand should work. Cauliflower is always on hand for me.
- Shrimp is just one of the protein add ons this recipe is perfect with double the beans, or cubed chicken as possibilities.
- This recipe can be a soup or stew depending on how you want to slice it.
Let us talk about Turmeric.
What is not negotiable. Not if you want this vibrant orange yellow color is the fresh turmeric. And another fresh turmeric convert is created. The turmeric is loaded with curcumin (an anti-inflammatory substance that is meant to be good for arthritis) and also loaded with antioxidants.
Antioxidants are so good for you, I am always looking for natural ways to get more into my universe. Here is a turmeric and cranberry rice, that is loaded with them. One of the greatest benefits of fresh turmeric is its ease of absorption (aka bioavailability), making it a great way to get more turmeric into your life. For double turmeric, serve this with a side of roasted potatoes with turmeric and thyme.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot and Air Fryer Facebook group.
Pick up a copy of my Instant pot cookbook Instant Indian here, along with The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
A wholesome easy to put together soup.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fennel
- 1/2-pound shrimp, shelled and de-veined
- 1 cup of cauliflower, cut into small pieces (about 1/2 head)
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 tablespoon miso (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (increase if not using miso)
- 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated turmeric
- 1/2 cup chopped diced tomatoes (can be canned)
- 3 cups broth
- 1 cup of cooked red kidney beans (see note)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro to finish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed pot. Add in the onion, garlic and fennel and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and wilted.
- Add in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add in the cauliflower, dried mint, miso, salt, chipotle pepper and the turmeric. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the flavors mix together. The cauliflower will turn golden orange.
- Add in the diced tomatoes and the broth and simmer until the cauliflower is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve.
Notes
To cook the red beans from the scratch, place 1/2 cup beans with salt and 2 cups of water in the instant pot or other pressure cooker and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
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