Cajun Black Bean and Andouille Sausage Delight
Transport your taste buds to the bayou with this hearty Cajun-inspired black bean soup. Loaded with protein-rich black beans and smoky Andouille sausage, this dish is a warm and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The zing from the Rotel tomatoes and chilies adds a flavorful kick that will surely impress your family and friends. Ideal for slow cooking, this dish simmers all day to deepen the flavors, and it’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker. Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for that extra touch of deliciousness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
3 (15-ounce cans, drained)
celery
3/4 (cup, diced)
onion
3/4 (cup, diced)
carrot
3/4 (cup, diced)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 (10-ounce can)
Andouille sausage
3/4 (lb, chopped)
ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
chicken broth
4 (cups, preferably reduced sodium)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
fresh cilantro
for garnish (chopped)
sour cream
for serving (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the black beans, diced celery, onion, carrot, Rotel tomatoes and chilies, Andouille sausage, ground cumin, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
2
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld.
3
Once the cooking time is up, remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped cilantro and a spoonful of sour cream if desired.
5
Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Cajun cuisine in your own home!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Black Bean and Andouille Sausage Delight?
It is a hearty, Cajun-inspired slow cooker soup featuring protein-rich black beans, smoky Andouille sausage, and a blend of vegetables and spices.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include canned black beans, celery, onion, carrots, Rotel tomatoes and chilies, Andouille sausage, and chicken broth.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
You can cook the soup on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the dish has a flavorful kick thanks to the Andouille sausage and the green chilies found in the Rotel tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Andouille sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Do I need to soak the black beans before cooking?
No, this recipe specifically calls for canned black beans that have been drained, so no soaking is required.
What type of sausage should I use?
Andouille sausage is recommended for its smoky and spicy Cajun flavor profile.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
Freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream are the suggested garnishes for this dish.
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak them overnight and potentially increase the cooking time and liquid amount.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth, preferably the reduced-sodium variety.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The soup uses a classic base of diced celery, onion, and carrots.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your sausage and chicken broth to ensure no gluten additives are present.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with ground cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
Yes, you should remove and discard the two bay leaves once the cooking time is complete and before serving.
How do I prepare the Andouille sausage?
The sausage should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes very well in an airtight container for up to three months.
How many cans of black beans are needed?
The recipe requires three 15-ounce cans of black beans.
What size should the vegetables be cut?
The celery, onion, and carrots should be diced into approximately 3/4 cup portions each.
Can I cook this on a stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer it in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for about 45-60 minutes until the flavors are well blended.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, both the black beans and the Andouille sausage provide a significant amount of protein.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a signature zest to the soup.
Can I use beef broth instead?
While chicken broth is recommended, beef or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute depending on your preference.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store the soup in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Does this recipe require any pre-sautéing?
No, this is a 'dump and go' slow cooker recipe where all ingredients are combined at the start without prior sautéing.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with cornbread, crusty French bread, or a side of white rice.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, bell peppers or kale would make excellent additions to this hearty soup.
How do I adjust the saltiness?
Using reduced-sodium broth is recommended so you can adjust the final salt level to your taste at the end of cooking.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
It can be, though it is slightly spicy; you can reduce the spice by using 'mild' Rotel and a milder variety of smoked sausage.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey Andouille or smoked turkey sausage can be used for a leaner version of the dish.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is hearty and chunky, but you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot at the end if you prefer a creamier texture.