Description
This Cajun Potato Soup is a rich and hearty dish bursting with bold Cajun flavors and creamy texture. Made with tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Cajun spices, it delivers comforting warmth with a slight spicy kick. Perfect for cozy meals, this soup can be enhanced with crispy bacon and topped with green onions and cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat fat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent, enhancing their flavors.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add potatoes: Incorporate the diced potatoes into the pot and mix well with the sautéed vegetables to combine flavors.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Season the soup: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spices to your preferred level of heat and flavor.
- Blend soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until mostly smooth but leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a countertop blender in batches to blend.
- Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream until the soup becomes creamy and well combined.
- Incorporate bacon: If using, mix in the cooked and crumbled bacon to add smoky, savory notes.
- Simmer again: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors together.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and season with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and shredded cheddar cheese if desired for added color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve hot alongside crusty bread or crackers for a complete comforting meal experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit bacon or substitute with smoked tofu or mushrooms.
- The soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water when blending.
- Make sure to blend carefully to avoid hot soup spills if using a countertop blender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
