Ah, the warmth of a homemade soup—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, isn’t it? Imagine this: the creamy richness of potatoes mingling with the bold, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, a combo that dances on your tongue like an unexpected encore. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget the world for a minute—especially when rain taps on the windows like a gentle reminder to stay indoors, wrapped in comfort.
Steps
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish the soup with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the soup warm.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup diced celery (about 1 rib)
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups (960 g) chicken broth
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Chopped parsley for garnish
FAQ
- Is Cajun Potato Soup Spicy?
- Yes, Cajun Potato Soup does have a spicy kick due to the Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and andouille sausage. However, if you prefer it milder, you can reduce these ingredients to suit your taste.
- What are some good substitutes for Andouille Sausage in the soup?
- If you don’t have andouille sausage, you can use kielbasa or smoked bratwurst as alternatives. Keep in mind that these may not provide the same level of spiciness as andouille.
- How should I store and reheat Cajun Potato Soup?
- To store, let the soup cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, use either a microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop until warm.
- Can Cajun Potato Soup be frozen?
- Yes, you can freeze Cajun Potato Soup. Allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What types of potatoes work best in this soup?
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, Yukon gold or red potatoes can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Tips
- For a milder version of this soup, consider reducing the amount of spicy ingredients like Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and andouille sausage to better suit your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have andouille sausage on hand, try substituting it with kielbasa or smoked bratwurst. Keep in mind these alternatives may not carry the same level of spiciness.
- To store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months, making sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
- Enhance the creamy texture by allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly into the soup. Alternatively, serve cheese on the side so guests can customize their level of cheesiness.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – A large pot is essential for cooking the soup, especially given the volume and the need to simmer the ingredients together.
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality chef’s knife would be useful for dicing vegetables and slicing sausage.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board is necessary for preparing the vegetables and sausage.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – Accurate measuring tools are useful for measuring out spices, cream, and cheese.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring the soup and ensuring that it doesn’t stick to the pot.
