"Chupe de Camarones" is a traditional dish , specifically a seafood chowder that combines the flavors of shrimp , potatoes , corn , and cheese in creamy broth .

This dish is a testament to Peru's culinary diversity, blending indigenous ingredients like corn with Spanish influences, such as cheese and potatoes.

The history of "Chupe de Camarones" traces back to Peru's coastal regions, where seafood plays a central role in the cuisine. Over time, this dish has evolved into a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by locals and celebrated for its hearty yet comforting qualities. Today, it stands as a delicious representation of Peru's vibrant food culture, showcasing the country's use of fresh seafood and native ingredients in flavorful, satisfying dishes.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 cup milk or heavy cream

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.

2. Add diced potatoes and corn kernels to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Stir in the milk or heavy cream and shredded cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken slightly.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cream if desired.

7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley if using.

This recipe provides a straightforward method of preparation with clear instructions for each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying outcome.

Nutrition Value:

1. Shrimp (1 pound):

  - Calories: Approximately 340 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible (about 1-2 grams)

  - Protein: About 85 grams

  - Fat: About 3 grams

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 200-300 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: About 400 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: High in vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional benefits: Shrimp is a lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart and brain health. It also provides minerals like selenium, important for immune function, and vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production.

2. Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: About 240 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: About 28 grams (mainly monounsaturated fats)

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin E and small amounts of vitamin K

  - Nutritional benefits: Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. It also provides antioxidants like vitamin E.

3. Onion (1 medium, chopped):

  - Calories: Around 45 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 11 grams

  - Protein: About 1 gram

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: About 5 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate; also contains potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects. They also provide fiber and various vitamins important for overall health.

4. Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Calories: Around 10 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 2 grams

  - Protein: About 0.5 grams

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: About 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium

  - Nutritional benefits: Garlic has antimicrobial properties and is rich in antioxidants like allicin, which may help boost immune function and lower the risk of certain diseases.

5. Potatoes (2 large, peeled and diced):

  - Calories: Approximately 220 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 50 grams

  - Protein: About 5 grams

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 10-20 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: High in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese

  - Nutritional benefits: Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy, along with vitamins and minerals important for heart health, muscle function, and overall well-being.

6. Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh or frozen):

  - Calories: Approximately 130 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 30 grams

  - Protein: About 5 grams

  - Fat: About 2 grams

  - Sodium: About 15 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and magnesium

  - Nutritional benefits: Corn provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and overall immunity.

7. Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups):

  - Calories: Varies based on type and brand, typically around 20-30 calories per cup

  - Carbohydrates: Varies

  - Protein: Varies

  - Fat: Varies

  - Sodium: Depends on the broth, typically around 600-800 milligrams per cup for regular broth

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains electrolytes like potassium, along with vitamins depending on the ingredients

  - Nutritional benefits: Broth provides hydration, electrolytes, and flavor to the dish. It can also contribute to nutrient intake depending on its composition.

8. Milk or heavy cream (1 cup):

  - Calories: About 150-300 calories (depending on the type and fat content)

  - Carbohydrates: About 10-15 grams (for milk) to negligible (for heavy cream)

  - Protein: About 8 grams (for milk) to negligible (for heavy cream)

  - Fat: About 8 grams (for milk) to 30-40 grams (for heavy cream)

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins and minerals: Milk provides calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and riboflavin; heavy cream is higher in saturated fats

  - Nutritional benefits: Milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the dish but is higher in saturated fats.

9. Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup):

  - Calories: About 300-350 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 2-3 grams

  - Protein: About 20-25 grams

  - Fat: About 20-25 grams

  - Sodium: About 500-600 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: About 70-80 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains calcium and phosphorus

  - Nutritional benefits: Cheese provides protein and calcium, although it's also high in saturated fats and sodium, so moderation is key.

10. Salt and pepper:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Depends on the amount used, typically a few hundred milligrams for salt

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: Negligible

  - Nutritional benefits: Salt adds flavor, and pepper provides a mild spicy kick, but they contribute primarily to taste rather than nutritional value.

11. Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains small amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like potassium and calcium

  - Nutritional benefits: Herbs like cilantro and parsley add freshness and a burst of flavor to dishes. They also provide some vitamins and minerals, albeit in small quantities.