Description
Spicy Cajun Potato Soup: A Comforting Taste of the South
Ingredients
- 1 ring (13.5 ounce) andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup diced celery (about 1 rib)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Once seared, transfer the sausage to a separate plate, leaving the flavorful oil in the pot.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to bloom.
3. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the potatoes to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This is the perfect time for the potatoes to absorb all the delightful Cajun spices.
5. Return the seared andouille sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
6. Remove the pot from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and ladle the steaming Spicy Cajun Potato Soup into bowls. Serve it up hot and savor the bold, comforting flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Notes
Adjust the Spice Level: The beauty of this Spicy Cajun Potato Soup is that you can easily customize the heat level to suit your preferences. Start with the suggested amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. Add more of the spices for a bolder, fiery kick or reduce them for a milder, more family-friendly version.
Ingredient Variations: While the classic combination of ingredients in this recipe is absolutely divine, feel free to experiment with other additions. Try incorporating shrimp, chicken, or even okra for a truly authentic Cajun twist. You can also switch up the cheese, using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
Cooking Methods: For a hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables and sausage, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer away until the potatoes are tender. Alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to speed up the cooking time.
Storing and Reheating: Spicy Cajun Potato Soup makes for excellent leftovers. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to thin out the consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg