Description
This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Shrimp Stew features tender shrimp cooked in a rich tomato-based broth with bell peppers, zucchini, olives, and aromatic herbs. Simmered slowly for a deep, robust flavor, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Pantry Items
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups vegetable or seafood broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In the slow cooker, combine olive oil, diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
- Slow cook the vegetables: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the broth is flavorful, allowing the spices to meld together.
- Add zucchini and olives: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the diced zucchini and pitted Kalamata olives. Cover and continue cooking to let these ingredients soften and release their flavors.
- Add shrimp: During the final 15 to 20 minutes, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the slow cooker. Cover and cook until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Finish seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and optional dill. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp stew immediately, accompanied by your choice of crusty bread, rice, couscous, or quinoa for a complete and hearty meal.
Notes
- Add shrimp only near the end to keep them tender and prevent overcooking.
- If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the stew.
- For added richness and complexity, add a splash of dry white wine along with the broth at the start of cooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days to maintain shrimp freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood, Slow Cooker, Mediterranean Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek-Inspired
