Delicious and Nutritious Shrimp and Amaranth Soup Recipe

A refreshing bowl of shrimp and amaranth soup not only helps cool you down on a hot summer day but also offers numerous health benefits. With the natural sweetness from shrimp and amaranth, this dish is sure to please your whole family. Let’s explore how to prepare this nutritious soup right at home!

Amaranth – A Familiar Vegetable in Vietnamese Cuisine

Amaranth is a popular summer vegetable in Vietnamese meals. Not only does it cool and detoxify the liver, but amaranth is also known as a “miracle herb” that aids in treating various health issues. Particularly, its high iron content helps effectively replenish blood.

There are several types of amaranth, but the most common are red amaranth, white amaranth, and spiny amaranth. Each type offers unique nutritional benefits.

Nutrient-rich amaranth

Health Benefits of Amaranth

Gluten-Free

Amaranth is an excellent choice for those with Celiac disease or gluten allergies. You can use amaranth as a substitute for other vegetables in your daily diet.

Good for Bones and Joints

With its high calcium content, amaranth becomes a superfood for those with osteoporosis or those looking to improve bone and joint health.

Antioxidant Properties

Recent studies have shown that amaranth contains peptides that can reduce inflammation and counteract the harmful effects of free radicals.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Regular consumption of amaranth helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for diabetes patients. It also helps reduce the risk of blood sugar-related diseases.

Prevents Anemia

The rich iron content in amaranth increases hemoglobin and red blood cell counts, thereby improving anemia.

Ingredients Needed

• Fresh shrimp: 250g
• Red or white amaranth: 1 bunch
• Shallots: 1-2 bulbs
• Seasonings: Salt, MSG, fish sauce

How to Make Shrimp and Amaranth Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash the amaranth thoroughly and let it drain.
• Peel the shrimp, remove the heads, and devein. If the shrimp are large, you can cut them in half. Marinate the shrimp with a little salt and MSG.

Step 2: Extract Shrimp Broth

• Heat a pan with a little oil. Add the shrimp heads and shells, stir-fry with some water, and then crush them.
• Add water to the crushed shells, strain through a sieve to obtain the broth for the soup.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

• Sauté the shallots in oil until fragrant, then add the shrimp and stir-fry until cooked.
• Mix the shrimp broth with 2 cups of cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, skim off any foam to keep the broth clear and season to taste.
• Add the amaranth and cook until just tender, then add the stir-fried shrimp, mix well, and turn off the heat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the natural sweet and refreshing taste of the shrimp and amaranth.

Conclusion

Shrimp and amaranth soup is a simple yet highly nutritious dish, perfect for hot summer days. With an easy recipe and readily available ingredients, you can easily prepare this dish at home to take care of your family’s health. Give it a try today and share your thoughts!