Cajun Bean Soup
A hearty Cajun bean soup combining flavorful beans, spicy sausage, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking a spicy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak the Cajun 15 beans overnight or for 8 hours. Drain.
- Add 2 quarts of water to the soaked beans and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the beans simmer for 2 1/2 hours until tender.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion, minced garlic, and sausage until the sausage is browned.
- Drain excess grease from the sausage mixture.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the beans along with the stewed or diced tomatoes and Cajun flavor packet.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with corn bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you don’t have Cajun 15 beans, you can substitute with a mix of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly, but if you're short on time, a quick soak in boiling water for an hour will also work.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with cornbread, which complements its hearty flavors perfectly. For a refreshing side, consider a simple green salad or coleslaw. You can also serve it with a side of Bean Biscuits for a delightful twist. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added freshness before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cajun Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Bean Soup contains roughly 772 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily convert this recipe into a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of water. You may also want to add some additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more flavor and texture.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it while it simmers.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You can use either stewed or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference. Diced tomatoes will give a chunkier texture, while stewed tomatoes will create a smoother consistency. Both options will contribute to the overall flavor of the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).