The aroma wafting from the kitchen was enough to transport me straight to a charming seaside café, where every heartwarming bowl of Rustic Seafood Soup is a little taste of coastal bliss. This creamy concoction not only pairs the briny flavors of fresh clams and succulent shrimp but also brings a satisfying warmth, making it the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight. As a high-protein gem, it’s a quick option that adds elegance without demanding hours at the stove. When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like diving into a bowl of this delightful soup, especially when served with homemade crusty bread. Don’t you just love how meals can evoke such comforting memories? Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe together! Why Is This Rustic Seafood Soup a Must-Try? Comforting and Cozy: With a blend of tender clams and juicy shrimp, this soup wraps you in warmth, perfect for chilly evenings. High-Protein Delight: Each bowl serves up approximately 35g of protein, making it a nutritious choice for anyone craving a hearty meal. Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is all about convenience, ideal for those busy nights when time is short. Elegant yet Simple: Impress your family or guests with a dish that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any home cook. Pair it with Herb Country Soup for a comforting soup night! Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize with your favorite seafood or add vegetables like carrots for extra heartiness—endless possibilities await! Rustic Seafood Soup Ingredients For the Base Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and flavor; use butter for a creamier taste. Red Onion – Provides a sweet base flavor when sautéed; substitute with yellow onion if needed. Garlic – Enhances aroma and flavor profile; fresh or pre-chopped garlic works well. Chicken Stock – Forms the soup base; seafood stock can be used for added depth. For the Seafood Littleneck Clams – Main protein that adds brininess; ensure they are fresh and cleaned. Shrimp – Adds sweetness and texture; use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Alaska Cod – Offers a mild flavor and easily breaks apart in the soup; swap with another white fish if desired. For the Creaminess Heavy Cream – Adds a luscious, creamy texture; substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For the Flavor Dry White Wine – Adds acidity and depth to the broth; use a light broth for a non-alcoholic version. Diced Tomatoes – Contributes sweetness and color; canned or fresh can be used interchangeably. Smoked Paprika – Provides smoky depth; regular paprika can substitute for milder flavors. Coarse Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste based on dietary needs. Fresh Parsley – Brightens and freshens the dish; can be replaced with cilantro for a different flavor. This Rustic Seafood Soup, with its rich fusion of flavors and hearty ingredients, is sure to captivate your taste buds and warm your soul! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rustic Seafood Soup Step 1: Prepare Clams Begin by soaking the littleneck clams in a bowl of cold salted water for about 1 hour. This helps to expel any sand inside the clams. After soaking, scrub them thoroughly under running water, discarding any that remain open or damaged, as these won’t close when cooked. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 diced red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and turned translucent, filling the air with a delicious aroma that serves as a base for your rustic seafood soup. Step 3: Steam Clams Next, add the prepared clams to the pot alongside 1 cup of dry white wine. Cover the pot and increase the heat to medium-high. Steam the clams for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they open up. Make sure to discard any clams that remain closed, ensuring the briny goodness is safe for your soup. Step 4: Make Soup Base Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 cup of diced tomatoes to the mix, bringing the entire mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors infuse beautifully as the soup thickens. Step 5: Cook Seafood With the base ready, it’s time to introduce the star of the dish! Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and 1 cup of diced Alaska cod into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is fully opaque and tender, adding richness to your rustic seafood soup. Step 6: Finish Soup Finally, stir in a handful of freshly chopped parsley and season with coarse salt to taste. Return the steamed clams to the pot to warm through for a minute. Your rustic seafood soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, garnishing with a few extra parsley leaves, and experience the coastal flavors right at home. Rustic Seafood Soup: Customization Options Feel free to jazz up your Rustic Seafood Soup—you can make it truly yours with these delightful variations! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, non-dairy twist that still packs a hearty punch. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to amp up the heat and give your soup a fun, zesty flair. Veggie Boost: Stir in diced carrots, potatoes, or spinach for an extra layer of nutrition and color—make it as hearty as your heart desires. Seafood Swap: Use mussels or scallops in place of shrimp to explore different textures and flavors, creating a unique seafood profile. Herb Infusion: Swap fresh parsley with fresh dill or cilantro for a new aromatic touch that beautifully complements the seafood. Smoky Flavor: Enhance the soup’s richness further by adding a dash of liquid smoke for those who crave deep, smoky undertones. Wine-Free: Use a splash of lemon juice and an extra cup of chicken stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic option without sacrificing flavor. Tomato Variation: Roasted red tomatoes bring a new element of sweetness—try them instead of diced tomatoes to elevate the flavor profile. Get creative and make this Rustic Seafood Soup your own! For a delightful combination, why not pair it with a comforting bowl of Hearty Longevity Soup? Embrace your home-cooking adventure! Make Ahead Options These Rustic Seafood Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks wanting to save time without compromising flavor! You can prep all the ingredients—like soaking and cleaning the littleneck clams, dicing the onions and garlic, and even measuring the spices—up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This way, everything is ready to go when you’re pressed for time. Additionally, you can cook the soup base (steps 2-4) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the base, add the seafood (steps 5-6), and you’ll have a warm, comforting Rustic Seafood Soup ready in a flash—just as delicious as when freshly prepared! What to Serve with Rustic Seafood Soup A warm bowl of seafood soup paired with delightful sides transforms dinner into an unforgettable experience. Crusty Bread: A rustic baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping, soaking up the creamy broth and enhancing every spoonful. Simple Green Salad: A light arugula or mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the rich flavors, offering a refreshing contrast. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Elevate your seafood experience with tender garlic butter shrimp, echoing the main dish’s flavors while adding an extra layer of indulgence. Roasted Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots and zucchini bring texture and a bit of sweetness, complementing the savory soup beautifully. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with seafood, brightening the flavors and enhancing the coastal essence of the meal. Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, the lightness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich soup, leaving a refreshing finish to your meal. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These cheesy delights add a fun, flavorful twist; perfect for dipping into your bold, briny soup. Savory Maisonnette Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are a classic choice that soak up the soup and bring comfort to each bite. Expert Tips for Rustic Seafood Soup Clean Clams Thoroughly: Properly clean your clams to prevent sand from sneaking into the soup. Soaking them in salted water helps remove built-up grit. Watch for Open Clams: Discard any clams that do not open after cooking, as they may be unsafe to eat. Safety first! Taste Before Serving: Always taste the broth before you serve the soup. Adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance in your rustic seafood soup. Don’t Overcook Seafood: Pay close attention while cooking the seafood. It should be opaque and tender; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Substitution Tips: Feel free to substitute with different seafood or add veggies! Use what you have on hand for a custom touch. Serve with Love: Top your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a lovely finish, enhancing that coastal experience. Storage Tips for Rustic Seafood Soup Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the soup creamy and fresh, avoid adding any garnishes before storing. Freezer: Rustic Seafood Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to freeze the seafood separately to maintain texture. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the soup thickens too much during storage. Serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings after reheating; the flavors may mellow out in storage. Your warm bowl of Rustic Seafood Soup will feel just like freshly made! Rustic Seafood Soup Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right clams for this soup? Absolutely! When selecting littleneck clams, look for ones that are tightly closed or close when tapped. The shells should be free of dark spots and cracks. Avoid clams that are open already, as they may be dead. How should I store leftover Rustic Seafood Soup? For your leftovers, keep them safe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, I recommend avoiding any garnishes like parsley, as they can lose their freshness. Can I freeze Rustic Seafood Soup? Yes! You can freeze this creamy soup for up to 2 months. However, I highly suggest freezing the seafood separately to maintain their texture and flavor integrity. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, pour it into freezer-safe bags, and lay them flat for easier stacking. What if my clams don’t open during cooking? Don’t worry! If any clams remain closed after steaming, it’s essential to discard them, as they may be unsafe to eat. Safety first! Make it a point to check them closely before adding them to your delicious pot of Rustic Seafood Soup. Any dietary considerations for this soup? If you are cooking for someone with allergies, always check labels on your chicken stock and any cream alternatives. This soup can easily be made dairy-free by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk, and it is naturally low in carbs, making it a good fit for various dietary needs. Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe? Very much so! Feel free to get creative with your seafood. You can swap clams for mussels or scallops, and if you want to give it a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so let your preferences shine! Rustic Seafood Soup: A Creamy Coastal Comfort Dish Experience the comforting flavors of Rustic Seafood Soup, a creamy blend of clams, shrimp, and rich broth, perfect for chilly evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: Coastal, SeafoodCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Adds richness and flavor; use butter for a creamier taste.1 medium Red Onion Provides a sweet base flavor when sautéed; substitute with yellow onion if needed.3 cloves Garlic Enhances aroma and flavor profile; fresh or pre-chopped garlic works well.4 cups Chicken Stock Forms the soup base; seafood stock can be used for added depth.For the Seafood1 pound Littleneck Clams Main protein that adds brininess; ensure they are fresh and cleaned.1 pound Shrimp Adds sweetness and texture; use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.1 cup Diced Alaska Cod Offers a mild flavor and easily breaks apart in the soup; swap with another white fish if desired.For the Creaminess1 cup Heavy Cream Adds a luscious, creamy texture; substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.For the Flavor1 cup Dry White Wine Adds acidity and depth to the broth; use a light broth for a non-alcoholic version.1 cup Diced Tomatoes Contributes sweetness and color; canned or fresh can be used interchangeably.1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Provides smoky depth; regular paprika can substitute for milder flavors.to taste teaspoon Coarse Salt Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste based on dietary needs.1 handful Fresh Parsley Brightens and freshens the dish; can be replaced with cilantro for a different flavor. Equipment Large pot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Rustic Seafood SoupBegin by soaking the littleneck clams in a bowl of cold salted water for about 1 hour. Scrub them thoroughly under running water, discarding any that remain open or damaged.In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.Add the prepared clams to the pot alongside 1 cup of dry white wine. Cover and increase heat to medium-high. Steam the clams for 8 to 10 minutes, discarding any that remain closed.Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes.Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and 1 cup of diced Alaska cod to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until seafood is fully opaque and tender.Stir in a handful of freshly chopped parsley and season with coarse salt to taste. Return the steamed clams to the pot to warm through for a minute. Serve garnished with extra parsley leaves. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and adjust seasonings as needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
