Sopa de Camarão con Aletria

Description
Shrimp Soup with Rice Stick Noodles

Ingredients

 * 4 oz rice stick noodles (rice vermicelli)
 * 1 lb medium shrimp
 * 1 tbsp vegetable oil
 * 1 clove garlic, crushed and peeled
 * 1 large shallot, peeled and minced
 * 2 tbsp balichão, optional
 * 2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
 * freshly ground black pepper
 * 1 scallion, trimmed and chopped
 * 6 sprigs fresh cilantro

Directions

 * 1) Put noodles in a medium bowl, cover with warm water, and soak until soft, about 15 minutes.
 * 2) Then drain noodles and set aside.
 * 3) Peel and devein shrimp, reserving shells, and set aside.
 * 4) Put shells in a large pot, add 6 cups water, and bring to a boil over high heat.
 * 5) Reduce heat to medium and simmer broth for 15 minutes.
 * 6) Strain broth, discarding shells, and set aside.
 * 7) Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
 * 8) Add garlic and cook until golden.
 * 9) Remove garlic and discard.
 * 10) Add shallots and cook until soft, about 1 minute.
 * 11) Add balichão, if using, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
 * 12) Add shrimp broth, bring to a simmer, then add shrimp, noodles, and tomatoes.
 * 13) Simmer soup until shrimp just turn pink, about 3 minutes.
 * 14) Season with pepper to taste.
 * 15) Garnish soup with scallions and cilantro.