Mediterranean Seafood Shrimp Chili With Olives (Print)

Succulent shrimp and tender white fish in a vibrant Mediterranean-spiced chili with briny olives and fresh vegetables.

# Ingredient List:

→ Seafood

01 - 10 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 9 oz firm white fish (cod, halibut, or similar), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced
08 - 3.5 oz pitted green olives, halved
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasoning

10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Liquids

16 - 1 2/3 cups fish or vegetable stock
17 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
20 - Lemon wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook for 2 minutes until garlic becomes aromatic but not browned.
03 - Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to release the spice flavors.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
05 - Add white fish pieces and simmer for 8 minutes until just opaque and beginning to flake.
06 - Stir in shrimp and olives. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
07 - Remove from heat. Squeeze in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of tender shrimp and flaky white fish in a spiced tomato base feels like a vacation to the Mediterranean coast
  • Its hearty enough to satisfy but wont leave you feeling weighed down unlike traditional meat chilis
  • The briny olives add such a wonderful punch of flavor that makes every bite interesting
02 -
  • Do not overcook the shrimp as they will become rubbery and tough
  • Add the fish and shrimp at different times so everything finishes perfectly
  • The chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together
03 -
  • Pat your seafood dry with paper towels before adding to the pot
  • Let the chili rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving to let flavors settle

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