Cauliflower-Carrot Soup with Smoky Paprika Shrimp

1. Season and Cook Shrimp

Start by seasoning the shrimp in a medium bowl. Toss them together with one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, three-quarters of a teaspoon of kosher salt, half a teaspoon of ground coriander, and a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they’re just opaque and tender. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and drizzle them with one tablespoon of lime juice, setting them aside for later.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same soup pot, reduce the heat slightly and add the remaining olive oil. Introduce the diced white onion, allowing it to sauté for 7 to 10 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the finely chopped garlic, along with the remaining smoked paprika and coriander. Let the spices bloom in the warm oil for about 30 seconds to a minute, filling your kitchen with their rich aroma.

3. Simmer Carrots with Miso

Add the cut carrots to the pot, along with the remaining salt, enough water to cover the vegetables, and the miso paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 8 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften and the flavors to meld together.

4. Cook Cauliflower and Purée Soup

Once the carrots are partially cooked, add the cauliflower florets. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, until the cauliflower is completely tender. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup directly in the pot until it is smooth and creamy, achieving this luxurious texture without any cream.

5. Reintroduce Shrimp with Lime

Return the shrimp to the pot, along with the remaining lime juice and lime zest. Gently reheat the soup, ensuring the shrimp are warmed through.

6. Serve the Soup

To serve, ladle the soup into individual bowls and finish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of smoky chile powder, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a scattering of fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this delightful soup, and savor each spoonful of its smoky, vibrant taste.