Chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder)

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3tablespoonsSalad oil
2clovesGarlic; peeled, minced
1largeOnion; peeled, chopped
2largesTomatoes; cut into eighths
2smallsRaw potato cubes
½teaspoonGround chili pepper
teaspoonSeasoned salt
2teaspoonsSalt
¼teaspoonCrushed red pepper
Few drops Tabasco
;water
cupMilk
3mediumsFlounder fillets
¼cupCream cheese ( 2 oz)
½poundsRaw shrimp; shelled and cleaned
12ouncesCan whole-kernel corn
Few sprigs fresh mint

Directions

About 45 minutes before serving, in dutch oven heat salad oil; in it saute garlic and onion until golden (about 10 minutes). Add tomatoes, potatoes, chili pepper, seasoned salt, 1-½ tsp. salt, red pepper, Tabasco, 3 cups water, 1 cup milk; stir occasionally, while bringing to a boil, then simmer, covered, 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in 1-½ cups water and ½ teasp. salt in skillet, simmer flounder fillets 6 minutes, or until fork-tender but still moist. Also, beat cream cheese with ¼ cup milk until very smooth.

Now stir cream-cheese mixture, then shrimp and corn, into soup; cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Next, drain flounder fillets, divide each in half crosswise, then place a half in each of 6 soup plates.

Spoon hot soup over fillets, garnish with mint sprigs and serve at once.