Description
This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Shrimp Stew features succulent shrimp simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this wholesome dish offers a light yet satisfying meal full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, all effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 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)
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups vegetable or seafood broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Oils & Pastes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Spices & Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the olive oil, diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors.
- 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 has developed a rich flavor.
- Add zucchini and olives: During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced zucchini and Kalamata olives. This allows these ingredients to soften slightly and infuse their flavors without overcooking.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the shrimp turn pink, become opaque, and are fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to ensure tender shrimp.
- Finish the stew: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and dill (if using). Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp stew immediately while hot. Pair it with crusty bread, steamed rice, couscous, or quinoa for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Only add the shrimp near the end of cooking to keep them tender and prevent toughness.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and drain any excess water before adding to the slow cooker.
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of dry white wine along with the broth at the beginning of cooking.
- Leftover stew should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days to maintain freshness and food safety, especially because of the seafood content.
- 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
