Shrimp and Sausage Cioppino

This soup has a great flavor, more like it has simmered for a few hours. It is also healthy, easy, and quick (<40 minutes). Enjoy!


Adapted from a Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

1 large or 2 small shallots, chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon

 ½ -3/4 lb chorizo, casings removed

2 cups white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

1/4 cup tomato paste

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 bay leaf

½ lb precooked frozen shrimp, thawed

1 1/2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

Serving suggestion: European Peasant Bread

Directions

In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the fennel, garlic, shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the sausage and break into 1/2-inch pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

Uncover the pan and add the shrimp, beans, basil, and thyme. Simmer, uncovered, until the shrimp are heated through, about 4 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Ladle the cioppino into soup bowls and serve with crusty bread.