Spicy Tomato-Coconut Bisque With Shrimp and Mushrooms

Step 1

Add the whole peeled tomatoes and their juices and the roasted red peppers to a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Add the mushrooms and cook without stirring until lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and lime leaves. (If using zest, don't add it yet.) Cook until garlic is softened and lime leaves fragrant, about 2 minutes. Move the mushroom mixture to a bowl. Season with salt and stir in a drizzle of oil. Add lime zest, if using, and scallions. Toss and set aside.

Step 3

Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon oil into the pot and heat over medium. Sauté the shallots until softened and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, cook until it darkens and begins to stick to the bottom of the pot, about 2 minutes. Stir in the puréed tomato mixture, coconut milk, chile and 1 cup water. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spatula to remove any paste stuck to the bottom. Simmer, uncovered, to allow flavors to meld and sauce to reduce slightly, about 20 minutes. Season with salt.

Step 4

Add the shrimp (or pieces of fish) and cook until just opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Remove and discard the chile.

Step 5

Divide soup and shrimp (or fish) among bowls filled with steamed rice. Discard lime leaves, then combine the fresh herbs with the mushrooms and top stew with spoonfuls of the herby mix. Drizzle with more olive oil and serve.