Creamy & Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the richness of potatoes with the bold spices of Cajun cuisine. This soup is perfect for chilly days and is easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and diced, such as Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage (optional, andouille or smoked sausage works well)
• Green onions (for garnish, optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Creamy & Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 6-8 hours in the slow cooker on low.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Mince the garlic.
2. Prepare the Sausage: If using sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then crumble it into pieces.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

1. Add Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, cooked sausage (if using), Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add Broth: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the mixture.

Step 3: Cook

1. Set Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Blend and Add Cream

1. Blend: Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
2. Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and mix well. Allow the soup to heat through for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Creamy & Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	6g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like corn, celery, or green beans for added nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your desired spice level or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
• Top It Off: Consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or cream to restore the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy & Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup is a delicious and filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger!