Chupe (Peruvian Shrimp Chowder)

Chupe is a traditional Peruvian chowder made from zapallo and seafood. Zapallo is a very large, pumpkin-like squash; however, it is brighter and sweeter than a regular pumpkin. Because it is not widely available I've substituted a butternut squash which comes close in sweetness and texture. Some recipes call for cream cheese but I prefer feta, as it balances out the sweetness of the squash very nicely.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large red onion, chopped

  • salt to taste

  • 2 ½ cups cubed butternut squash

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ground black pepper to taste

  • 4 cups chicken stock

  • 2 ears fresh corn, each cut into 4 pieces

  • ¼ cup peas

  • ¼ cup white rice (Optional)

  • ½ pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 (6 ounce) package brine-packed feta cheese, crumbled, brine reserved

  • ½ cup milk

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over low heat; cover bottom evenly with onion. Sprinkle with salt and cook, without stirring, until onion is very tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Stir in butternut squash and garlic; season with pepper. Cook until squash begins to soften, about 15 minutes.

  2. Increase heat to medium-high. Pour chicken stock into the pan and bring to a boil while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to low and stir in corn, peas, and rice. Cover and simmer until rice is cooked, 10 to 20 minutes. Add shrimp and simmer until they are bright pink on the outside and opaque, about 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in feta cheese, brine, and milk. Let feta melt a bit and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

387 Calories
18g Fat
38g Carbs
21g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 387
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 127mg 42%
Sodium 1328mg 58%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 21g 42%
Vitamin C 28mg 31%
Calcium 329mg 25%
Iron 3mg 19%
Potassium 685mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.