Description
Creamy Cajun potato soup brings Louisiana’s spicy comfort straight to your kitchen. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a rich, flavorful bowl that warms from the first spoonful and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 (14 oz) package smoked sausage or andouille, sliced
Base Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled & diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained)
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Parsley
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation by combining diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and tomatoes in the slow cooker, creating a robust base for the soup.
- Introduce sliced sausage into the mixture, distributing it evenly throughout the ingredients to ensure balanced flavor in each spoonful.
- Pour chicken broth over the assembled components, then sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to infuse the soup with bold, zesty undertones.
- Gently mix all ingredients, ensuring each element is well-incorporated and coated with the aromatic spices.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the soup to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, permitting the flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender.
- Once cooking is complete, use a potato masher to gently break down some potatoes, creating a more luxurious and creamy consistency.
- Enrich the soup by stirring in heavy cream, melting cheddar cheese, and adding a pat of butter to enhance its velvety texture.
- If the liquid seems too thin, create a quick cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water, then fold into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve desired thickness.
- Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and crispy bacon bits.
- Accompany the soup with warm crusty bread or golden cornbread to complete this hearty and comforting Cajun-inspired meal.
Notes
- Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that keeps the robust Cajun flavor profile.
- Use cauliflower or parsnips as partial potato replacements to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition for low-carb dieters.
- Create a dairy-free adaptation by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and homemade Cajun seasoning, which allows better management of salt intake while maintaining deep, spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg