01 -
First things first, get those potatoes peeled and cubed into roughly one-inch pieces. Don't worry too much about perfection; rustic is good! While you're at it, dice your onion and celery. I always feel a sense of accomplishment when all my prep is done, it makes the actual cooking so much smoother. Honestly, this is where I usually put on some music and just get into a rhythm. The smell of fresh onion always reminds me of my grandma's kitchen.
02 -
Melt a generous knob of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion and celery. Sauté them until they're softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base for your Creamy Cajun Potato Soup. Don't rush it; those sweet, softened veggies are key. I’ve definitely undercooked them before, and the soup just wasn't as rich.
03 -
Now, stir in your minced garlic and the Cajun seasoning. Let it cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Oh my gosh, the smell! This is when my kitchen really starts to come alive. Be careful not to burn the garlic here; it goes from perfectly golden to bitter in a flash, and trust me, I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit. Keep it moving!
04 -
Pour in your chicken (or vegetable) broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is where the potatoes really soak up all those amazing Cajun flavors. I usually give it a stir every now and then, just to make sure nothing's sticking to the bottom.
05 -
Once the potatoes are tender, it's time to get creamy! You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender. Blend until your Creamy Cajun Potato Soup reaches your desired consistency – I like mine mostly smooth with a few small potato chunks for texture. Remember my immersion blender mishap? Go slow, keep it submerged! If you’re using a regular blender, vent the lid to let steam escape.
06 -
Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through gently for a few minutes; don't boil it after adding the cream, or it might separate. Taste and adjust seasonings – you might need a little more salt or a dash of cayenne if you like extra heat. Ladle your beautiful, warm Creamy Cajun Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions. It's truly a delicious, soul-warming bowl!