Name: Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable or seafood broth; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup finely chopped kale; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 65 reviews

If you are craving a comforting bowl of something that’s both light and bursting with vibrant flavors, then this Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Picture juicy prawns swimming in a rich tomato and herb broth, finished off with a bright and zesty kale gremolata that adds freshness and a pop of color to every spoonful. This soup is an effortless way to enjoy the essence of Italian coastal cooking right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl, there is a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is dark green cooked kale with a soft, slightly wet texture, and the top layer has three large, orange-pink cooked shrimp with a firm texture placed evenly on the kale. There are small pieces of pale garlic scattered on the kale. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. Behind the bowl, a small white bowl holds thin crispy yellow strips with a black utensil inside it. The whole setup is on a brown cloth that lies on a white marbled surface. In the background, a clear glass bottle with a white label is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and eye-catching appeal, whether it’s the sweetness of the prawns, the earthiness of the kale, or the tang from the lemon zest.

1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the aromatics.
1 onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and foundation for the broth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with bold, savory depth.
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: The vibrant base that gives the broth its classic Italian taste and color.
4 cups vegetable or seafood broth: Keeps the soup light yet flavorful with a savory backbone.
1 tsp oregano: Offers a warm herbaceous note signature to Italian cooking.
1 tsp chili flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
½ cup finely chopped kale: The fresh, earthy component for the gremolata topping.
1 tbsp lemon zest: Brings bright citrus highlights to lighten the dish.
1 clove garlic, minced: Amplifies the gremolata’s punch with aromatic intensity.
1 tbsp olive oil (for gremolata): Helps bind the gremolata and adds smoothness.
Salt (for gremolata): Balances the freshness of the kale and lemon.

How to Make Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This builds a wonderful flavor foundation for the soup that makes every bite inviting.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or seafood broth, then season with oregano, salt, and pepper. If you enjoy a hint of spice, sprinkle in the chili flakes now. Bring everything to a gentle simmer where the flavors intertwine, letting the soup bubble away for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Prawns

Stir in the peeled prawns and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. Prawns cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Their sweet, tender texture complements the rich tomato broth perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Kale Gremolata

While the prawns cook, make the kale gremolata by combining the finely chopped kale, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This fresh topping will add brightness and a satisfying crunch to the soup, creating an irresistible contrast.

Step 5: Serve the Soup

Ladle the warm prawn soup into bowls and generously spoon the kale gremolata on top. The warm broth mingling with the cool, zesty gremolata is pure magic and gives the dish a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Serve Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich seafood stew layered with orange-red broth and chunks of fish, shrimp, and mussels with black shells, topped with green herbs for garnish. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the stew. Next to the bowl, two pieces of toasted bread with charred marks lie on a white plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface, with another small bowl of chopped greens nearby and glasses of water and beer around. A woman's hand is seen holding a piece of the toasted bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil on top and a few freshly ground black pepper crystals. A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making your guests feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic-rubbed crostini to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. A light green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil also complements the meal without overwhelming the delicate prawn flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of gremolata on the side, inviting guests to add their own as desired. Alternatively, serve it in elegant clear glass mugs for a stylish twist that shows off the colorful layers of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe, store the soup and gremolata separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the gremolata fresh and the soup flavorful for up to 2 days.

Freezing

The soup itself freezes well for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze without the gremolata. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and prepare a fresh batch of gremolata for the best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the prawns tender. Add the gremolata just before serving to maintain its bright, fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the soup to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a great texture.

Is kale the only green I can use for the gremolata?

Nope! You can substitute kale with parsley, spinach, or even arugula for different flavor profiles, though kale gives a lovely hearty crunch that works wonderfully here.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the soup itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any broth you use is gluten-free, and enjoy it with gluten-free bread if desired.

How spicy does the chili flakes make the soup?

The 1 teaspoon of chili flakes adds a gentle warmth but no overwhelming heat. You can adjust the quantity to your liking or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder soup.

Can I add white wine to this soup?

Definitely! Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor to the broth that enhances the overall dish wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and special about a bowl of homemade Italian Prawn Soup with Kale Gremolata Recipe. It’s a brilliant marriage of fresh, bright ingredients with a cozy, warming broth that comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress and delight. Give it a try and bring a little Italian sunshine to your table!