This Cajun Potato Soup is warm and cozy with a delightful kick! Packed with potatoes, spicy sausage, and tasty seasonings, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Every spoonful is creamy and full of flavor, perfect for chilly days. I like to top mine with some green onions for extra crunch. Just don’t forget the bread for dipping! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet potatoes because they break down nicely and make the soup creamy. If you need a healthier option, try sweet potatoes for a different flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Andouille Sausage: This sausage adds great flavor and spice. If you can’t find it, use smoked sausage or kielbasa. For a vegetarian version, opt for a plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely and add beans for protein.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is always best, but store-bought works well. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Adjust adding more seasoning since veggie broth can be milder.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream works perfectly, but you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free solution.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Potato Soup?
Texture is key in potato soup. You want some chunkiness along with the creaminess. Here’s how:
- Cook the potatoes until tender, but don’t overcook them. This helps maintain some chunky pieces.
- When mashing, only mash a portion of the potatoes. This gives a nice mix of creamy and chunky textures.
- Adding cream towards the end gives you a velvety finish without making the soup too thick initially.
Take your time to stir gently after adding the cream so you keep that lovely soup texture!
Delicious Cajun Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cajun Potato Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, hearty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside, but make sure to leave the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook these veggies until they’re softened, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This is where your soup starts to develop that delicious flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Now, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme, making sure all the veggies are well-covered with the spices.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Time to add the star ingredients! Add the diced potatoes, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Mash for Texture:
Using a potato masher or immersion blender, lightly mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, leaving some delicious potato chunks for texture. This will give your soup that creamy consistency you love!
6. Finish with Cream and Sausage:
Stir in the heavy cream and add back the browned Andouille sausage. Allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
7. Season to Taste:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper, as needed. This is the final touch to make sure it’s just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and dig into this delightful Cajun Potato Soup! It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for mashing and thickening the soup, you can substitute them with Yukon golds or red potatoes for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly based on the type of potato.
Is There a Way to Make This Soup Spicier?
Yes! To ramp up the heat, you could add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes along with the vegetables. Just be cautious with the amount, especially if you’re not used to spicy foods. You can always start small and adjust to your liking.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a nice consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as soup expands when frozen. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
