Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Sweet corn and plump shrimp simmer in Maricel Presilla's creamy, flavorful coastal Ecuadoran chowder.

Calories
231
Carbohydrates
26g
Protein
30g
Potassium
634mg
Fiber
7g
Sugar
13g

Ingredients

Annatto Oil

  • 1 cup corn oil

  • 1/4 cup annatto seeds

Chowder

  • 2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced, divided

  • 2 scallions, minced

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons Annatto Oil

  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 3 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely chopped

  • 6 cups fish or chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth

  • 1 unripe (green) plantain, peeled and coarsely grated

  • 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • Tangy Corn Salsa, for serving

Direction

  1. Make the Annatto Oil: In a small saucepan, combine the oil and annatto seeds and bring to a simmer over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the oil cool completely, about 30 minutes. Strain the Annatto Oil into a jar.

  2. Make the chowder: In a large, shallow glass or stainless steel bowl, toss the shrimp with two-thirds of the minced garlic, the scallions, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to 3 hours.

  3. In a food processor, puree the corn with the milk. Pour the puree through a coarse strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

  4. Heat the Annatto Oil in a large saucepan or enameled cast-iron casserole. Add the remaining garlic, onion, bell pepper, and cumin and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the corn milk, stock, plantain, cilantro, and cayenne and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat until very flavorful, about 20 minutes.

  5. Pour the soup through a coarse strainer. Working in batches, puree the vegetables in a blender. Return the puree and the strained broth to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the shrimp and its marinade and cook over moderate heat until the shrimp are just opaque throughout, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and serve in warmed soup plates or bowls with the Tangy Corn Salsa.