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Seafood Medium

Recipe of Açorda de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Bread Soup)

Vida Recetas Editorial

Açorda de marisco is a traditional Portuguese soup that combines rustic bread, fresh seafood, and an aromatic broth. Originally from the Alentejo region, this recipe has become a classic of coastal cuisine, ideal for those seeking comfort with intense marine flavors. Unlike other soups, açorda is thickened with day-old bread, which absorbs the broth and creates a creamy, hearty texture.

Why you'll love this soup?

  • Deep flavor: paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes add a smoky, slightly spicy touch.
  • Unique texture: the toasted bread dissolves into the broth, giving body and consistency.
  • Versatile: you can use any combination of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, or clams.

This seafood soup is perfect for a special dinner or to impress your guests with an authentic Portuguese dish. It is traditionally served with a poached egg in each bowl and lemon wedges to enhance the flavors. If you love seafood cuisine, this recipe will become a staple in your repertoire.

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Recipe of Açorda de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Bread Soup)
Image generated with AI

Prep

45 min

Servings

4

Ingredients

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.

  2. 2

    Stir in the red bell pepper, tomatoes, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

  3. 3

    Add the seafood to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink and the clams and mussels begin to open.

  4. 4

    Pour in the fish or seafood broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.

  5. 5

    While the soup simmers, toast the slices of bread until they're crisp on the edges.

  6. 6

    Tear the toasted bread into chunks and place them at the bottom of serving bowls.

  7. 7

    In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the hot soup, stirring constantly to create ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup.

  8. 8

    Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro and parsley.

  9. 9

    Ladle the hot soup over the bread in the serving bowls.

  10. 10

    Garnish each bowl with the remaining cilantro and parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to prepare Açorda de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Bread Soup)?

This recipe has a medium difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.

How long does it take to prepare Açorda de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Bread Soup)?

The preparation time is 45 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe is designed for 4 servings.

Can I substitute some ingredients?

Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.

How should I store this preparation?

Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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