7 Sea Soup Recipe

Imagine sitting down to a warm bowl of soup that combines the flavors of the ocean with a hearty, satisfying richness. That’s the beauty of 7 Sea Soup! This dish isn’t just about nourishing your body-it’s a celebration of fresh, flavorful seafood, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a beloved comfort food in many coastal cultures, known for its robust flavors and ability to warm you up from the inside out.

Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or someone looking to explore the vast world of ocean-inspired dishes, 7 Sea Soup offers a little bit of everything-fish, shellfish, and seafood stock, all simmered together to create a delightful medley of flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that can be customized to your liking, but when done right, it’s a showstopper.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the recipe, breaking it down step by step so you can create a bowl of 7 Sea Soup that will transport your taste buds straight to the coast.

7 Sea Soup Recipe

This is an incredibly versatile and adaptable dish, but there are a few key ingredients and steps that will take you from simple to spectacular. Below is a straightforward yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re in the mood for something truly comforting.

Ingredients Needed

The best part of 7 Sea Soup is how you can mix and match the seafood depending on availability and your personal preferences. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Fresh Fish (2 types) – White fish like cod, haddock, or snapper is ideal. These firm fish will hold up well in the soup.
• Shrimp (1 lb) – Small to medium-sized shrimp work best, peeled and deveined.
• Mussels or Clams (1 lb) – Mussels are a classic addition, but clams are just as delicious.
• Scallops (1/2 lb) – These add a subtle sweetness and a luxurious texture.
• Squid (1/2 lb) – Fresh squid adds a bit of chewiness and a delicate flavor.
• Vegetable Broth or Fish Stock (4 cups) – Fish stock is preferred for a deeper seafood taste, but veggie broth works too.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing your aromatics.
• Yellow Onion (1, chopped) – Adds a mild sweetness when cooked.
• Carrots (2, peeled and diced) – A slightly earthy sweetness.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced) – Brings a nice crunch and balance.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Always a flavor booster!
• Tomatoes (2, chopped) – Fresh or canned; tomatoes bring acidity to balance the richness of the seafood.
• White Wine (1/2 cup) – A splash of dry white wine adds depth and brightness.
• Bay Leaves (2) – For a subtle earthy aroma.
• Fresh Thyme (1 tsp) – A must-have herb to brighten up the soup.
• Paprika (1 tsp) – For a slight smokiness.
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp) – To add that fresh, zesty kick at the end.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – A pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get to the good part! Here’s how you can make this delicious 7 Sea Soup:

1. Prep the seafood: If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp, chop the fish into bite-sized pieces, and clean the mussels or clams. Set everything aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re softened and starting to caramelize.
3. Add garlic and seasoning: Toss in the minced garlic, paprika, and thyme. Stir for about 1 minute, letting the garlic release its fragrance. Then, pour in the chopped tomatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften and break down.
4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the white wine and let it cook down for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. This step adds depth and balances the acidity.
5. Add the stock: Pour in the vegetable broth or fish stock, and add the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook the seafood: Add the firm fish first (cod, haddock, etc.) and simmer for 5 minutes. Then add the shrimp, mussels, clams, and scallops. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the fish. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shellfish have opened and the fish is cooked through. The shrimp will turn pink, and the mussels/clams will pop open.
7. Finish the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Discard any unopened shellfish (if using mussels or clams). Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Seafood Mix: The mix of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans is key to the soup’s complex flavor. Each element brings something unique:

  • White fish like cod offers a mild, flaky texture that complements the bolder flavors of shellfish.
  • Shrimp adds a satisfying bite and sweetness.
  • Mussels and clams provide a briny, oceanic essence that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Scallops and squid lend an almost luxurious, tender quality to the dish.
• Tomatoes and White Wine: The tomatoes add acidity, which balances the richness of the seafood, while the white wine adds an element of sophistication and brightness.
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme is earthy and slightly floral, while paprika adds a smoky undertone. Together, they build a robust, layered flavor profile.

Expert Tips

1. Fresh is best: The fresher your seafood, the better the soup will taste. If you can get fresh fish, clams, and shrimp from a local market, it will make all the difference.
2. Use a heavy pot: A Dutch oven or a thick-bottomed soup pot will help ensure even heat distribution, preventing scorching and allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
3. Don’t overcook the seafood: Seafood cooks quickly, so add it to the soup toward the end of the cooking process. Overcooking will make it tough and rubbery, which you definitely want to avoid.
4. Add a little heat: If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
5. Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers!

Recipe Variations

7 Sea Soup is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to your taste. Here are some variations to try:

• Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a few dashes of hot sauce to heat things up.
• Coconut-infused: For a more tropical flair, stir in some coconut milk or coconut cream for a creamy, slightly sweet broth.
• Herb-heavy: Replace thyme with basil, oregano, or even dill for a different herbal note.
• Broth-based: If you prefer a more delicate broth, reduce the amount of vegetables and focus on the seafood and stock. This will give you a lighter, clearer soup.

Final Words

7 Sea Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a culinary adventure every time you make it. It’s flavorful, hearty, and packed with variety, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity-it’s all about fresh, high-quality ingredients coming together in a single pot.