New Year's shrimp soup is a celebratory, warming dish to start the year fresh. This high protein, healthy, family dish is a fresh, flavorful way to ring in the new year.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and juices release.
While tomatoes cook, simmer guajillo and ancho chiles in 2 cups boiling water for 5 minutes or until softened. Blend softened chiles with their soaking water until smooth.
Strain chile sauce, then add to the pot along with bay leaf. Cook for 2–3 minutes on medium heat to develop flavor.
Pour in 4 additional cups of water and bring to a boil. Add diced potatoes and carrots, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Add zucchini, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 8 minutes until all vegetables are just tender but not mushy.
Add shrimp and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
Stir in chopped cilantro, taste for seasoning, remove bay leaf, and serve hot.