Velvety Creamy Seafood Soup Recipe: Ocean’s Cozy Comfort

Waves of oceanic flavors crash into a comforting creamy seafood soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Delicate seafood mingles with rich, velvety broth in a recipe that whispers coastal elegance.

Each spoonful carries the essence of freshly caught treasures from the sea.

Tender morsels of fish and shellfish dance with smooth, silky cream.

Aromatic herbs and subtle spices weave through the soup, creating a symphony of maritime delights.

This soul-warming dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prepare to savor a bowl that transports you to seaside memories with every delectable bite.

Creamy Seafood Soup Why It’s a Must Try

• This seafood soup delivers rich, luxurious flavors without complicated cooking techniques, making it perfect for home chefs wanting restaurant-quality meals.
• Adaptable for different occasions like weeknight dinners, elegant gatherings, or cozy weekend lunches, the recipe offers flexibility for various dining scenarios.
• Packed with protein-rich salmon, fresh vegetables, and creamy texture, this soup provides a balanced, wholesome meal that satisfies both taste and health-conscious preferences.
• Using common kitchen ingredients like clam juice, herbs, and basic dairy products, the recipe transforms everyday components into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Ingredients for a Hearty Seafood Soup

• Seafood: Fresh salmon provides rich, delicate flavor and protein to the soup.
• Smoked Salmon: Adds deep, smoky notes and complexity to the overall seafood profile.

• Onions, Leeks, Mushrooms, Garlic: Create a flavorful aromatic base that enhances the soup's depth and provides a savory foundation.

• Clam Juice, Milk, Cream: Contribute to the soup's creamy texture and provide a smooth, rich consistency.

• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Herbs, Salt, Dill: Add layers of flavor and provide a fresh, bright finish to the seafood soup.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables, creating a flavorful base for the soup.

• Tomatoes: Offer a slight tangy element and additional depth to the soup's flavor profile.

Seafood Soup Equipment and Tools

• Large Pot: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and cooking the entire soup.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth flour and milk slurry without lumps.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions, leeks, mushrooms, and garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like flour and milk.
• Blender (Optional): Useful for creating a smoother soup texture if desired.

Steps for Creamy Seafood Soup Perfection

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a large pot and melt the butter over medium heat.

Toss in the chopped onions, sliced leeks, diced mushrooms, and minced garlic.

Stir and cook these flavor-packed veggies until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful aroma.

This should take about 7-10 minutes, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in the clam juice and add the smoked salmon pieces.

Tumble in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle your favorite herbs and seasonings.

Gently stir everything together and let the mixture heat through, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a rich, deep flavor profile.

Step 3: Create a Silky Smooth Base

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with milk until you achieve a completely smooth mixture with no lumps.

Slowly pour in the cream, continuing to whisk.

Gradually stir this luxurious slurry into the soup, which will help thicken and create a velvety texture.

Step 4: Introduce Fresh Salmon

Carefully add the fresh salmon chunks to the simmering soup.

Let them cook gently for about 5 minutes.

Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the dairy to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches

For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.

Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a burst of color and bright flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy seafood masterpiece.

Chef Tips for Creamy Seafood Soup Lovers

• Temper cream by slowly adding hot soup to milk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid separation.
• Roast vegetables before sautéing to intensify their natural sweetness and add complexity to the soup.
• Select high-quality, fresh salmon and seafood from a trusted fishmonger for the best taste and texture.
• Add more clam juice or milk to thin the soup, or simmer longer to thicken if needed.
• Replace flour with cornstarch or xanthan gum for a gluten-free thickening alternative.

Fresh Takes on Seafood Soup Flavors

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk and use cornstarch instead of flour for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap seafood with firm tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable broth to create a plant-based alternative with similar rich flavors.
• Lighter Ocean Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream, reduce butter, and add more herbs for a healthier, protein-packed seafood soup with lower calories.
• Spicy Seafood Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes, jalapeños, and cayenne pepper to give the soup a zesty, warming heat that complements the seafood's richness.

How to Serve Creamy Seafood Soup

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture.
• Elegant Plating Accent: Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs, a swirl of cream, and cracked black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation that enhances visual appeal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with additional seared salmon pieces or sprinkle crispy pancetta bits for extra protein and a satisfying crunch that complements the soup's smoothness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to balance the soup's creamy texture and highlight the delicate seafood flavors.

Storing Creamy Seafood Soup the Smart Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, preventing bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if soup contains cream or dairy.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency. Never boil to prevent separation.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Use 50% power to maintain smooth texture and prevent curdling.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the soup to prevent excess water.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for thickening. To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

• What type of milk works best?

Whole milk provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture. However, you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Prepare the soup without adding salmon until just before serving. Reheat gently to prevent dairy from separating and cook salmon briefly when ready to serve.

Creamy Seafood Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy seafood soup from coastal Portugal blends ocean-fresh ingredients with rich, silky textures. Delicate shellfish and aromatic herbs combine in a comforting bowl you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound (340 grams) salmon fillet
• 2 to 4 ounces (57 to 113 grams) hot smoked salmon
• 1 quart (946 milliliters) clam juice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 chopped medium yellow onion
• 1 cup thinly sliced leeks
• 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups canned whole tomatoes

Dairy, Herbs, Seasonings, and Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Pinch black pepper
• Pinch crushed red pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, gently melt butter over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions, leeks, mushrooms, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 7-10 minutes.
2. Pour in clam juice and incorporate smoked salmon pieces, diced tomatoes, selected herbs, and preferred seasonings. Warm the mixture thoroughly, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
3. Create a smooth mixture by whisking flour into milk until no lumps remain. Gradually introduce heavy cream to the flour-milk base, then carefully fold this mixture into the simmering soup.
4. Introduce fresh salmon chunks into the soup, allowing them to gently poach for 5 minutes. Maintain a low heat to prevent boiling, which could cause dairy separation and tough fish texture.
5. For an optional silky consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired smoothness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, then garnish with fresh dill sprigs before serving hot.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium clam juice to control salt levels and prevent overseasoning.
• Swap dairy for coconut milk to create a dairy-free, allergy-friendly version of the soup.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg