Curried Shrimp & Tomato Soup, HCG-Friendly

Prep: 5 minCook: 15 min2 servingsmedium
Curried Shrimp & Tomato Soup, HCG-Friendly

A light, aromatic soup combining tender shrimp with softened tomatoes in a warmly spiced broth. Cinnamon and curry powder build depth without heavy cream or oil, making this ideal for low-calorie or HCG protocols. Serve as a quick lunch or light dinner when you need something satisfying yet ingredient-minimal. This version skips prep time by using precooked shrimp and fresh roma tomatoes for bright acidity.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 3 ½ oz shrimp, precooked
    white fish fillet, diced1:1pescatarianshellfish-free

    flakes instead of curls

    Full guide →
  • 2 whole roma tomatoes, chopped
    canned crushed tomatoes2 tomatoes=0.5 cup cannedsame

    tomato flavor may intensify

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic, from clove
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
    garam masala1:0.75vegetarianvegan

    earthier spice profile

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup fat-free chicken broth
    vegetable broth1:1vegetarianvegan

    conf:5

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat garlic and spices in a saute pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Add chicken broth, stirring to combine with spice mixture.

  3. 3

    Stir in chopped tomatoes and simmer until they begin to break down and soften, 5-8 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add shrimp and simmer until heated through, 2-3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Season to taste and serve hot.

Tips

Tip 1

Bloom spices in dry heat first to release their oils and intensify flavor before adding liquid.

Tip 2

Use precooked shrimp to avoid overcooking; add in final 2-3 minutes just to warm through.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Freezing may affect shrimp texture; best consumed fresh.

Make Ahead

Chop tomatoes and measure spices up to 1 day ahead. Cook full recipe same day for best shrimp quality.

Serve With

Ladle into bowls and serve immediately while hot. Pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery, tough texture.

Watch

Do not skip blooming spices to avoid flat, underdeveloped flavor.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

curry powder
garam masala1:0.75vegetarianvegan

earthier spice profile

Full guide →
chicken broth
vegetable broth1:1vegetarianvegan

conf:5

Full guide →

General Alternatives

shrimp
white fish fillet, diced1:1pescatarianshellfish-free

flakes instead of curls

Full guide →
roma tomatoes
canned crushed tomatoes2 tomatoes=0.5 cup cannedsame

tomato flavor may intensify

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely first to ensure even heating. Precooked frozen shrimp works best since recooked shrimp can toughen. Add after tomatoes have softened.

What if I dont have curry powder?

Substitute garam masala, cumin, or turmeric at the same ratio. The soup will taste different but still aromatic. Garam masala adds earthiness; turmeric brings brightness.

How long will this keep?

Store refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container. Shrimp quality degrades over time, so consume within 2 days for best texture and safety.