Fosforera

Name: Fosforera
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Ingredients: 300g large shrimp, shell on; 300g firm white fish, cubed; 200g crab meat or crab legs; 200g squid, cleaned and sliced; 4 tomatoes, diced; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/4 tsp saffron or annatto; 1 cup white wine; 6 cups fish or shrimp stock; Cilantro, salt, pepper; Lime wedges

Fosforera (fohs-foh-REH-rah)

Venezuelan Seafood Soup

⏱ Prep Time 20 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 347 kcal

A rich, fiery Caribbean seafood soup packed with shrimp, fish, crab, and squid in a tomato-saffron broth — nicknamed "fosforera" because seafood is believed to boost vitality.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 35.0g

Carbs 18.0g

Fat 15.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ shellfish ⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

large pot cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large deep bowl

Garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments: casabe bread, arepa

Ingredients

300g large shrimp, shell on
300g firm white fish, cubed
200g crab meat or crab legs
200g squid, cleaned and sliced
4 tomatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/4 tsp saffron or annatto
1 cup white wine
6 cups fish or shrimp stock
Cilantro, salt, pepper
Lime wedges

Instructions

1
Make stock by simmering shrimp shells in water for 15 min. Strain.
2
Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in oil until softened.
3
Add tomatoes and cook until broken down. Add saffron or annatto.
4
Pour in wine and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5
Add fish and crab first, cook 3 min. Then add shrimp and squid, cook 4-5 min more.
6
Season with salt and pepper. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro.

💡

Did You Know?

Fosforera gets its name from "fosforo" (phosphorus) — Venezuelans believe this soup's seafood content acts as an aphrodisiac and energy booster.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
cutting board

Garnishing

cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments

casabe bread, arepa

The Story Behind Fosforera

Fosforera is the signature soup of Venezuela's Caribbean coast, particularly popular on Margarita Island and in the fishing villages of Sucre state. It combines indigenous fishing traditions with Spanish-style seafood soups, enriched by the local belief in the invigorating properties of phosphorus-rich seafood. Coastal restaurants compete fiercely for the title of best fosforera.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed special lunch, especially at the coast 📜 Origins: Caribbean coastal tradition

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!