When it comes to dinner and meal ideas, there's nothing quite like a hearty and flavorful soup to satisfy your taste buds. Today, we're going to explore a Cajun - inspired soup recipe that is not only delicious but also easy to make. This soup is served over rice and topped with sliced green onions, and a dash of bottled hot pepper sauce can really liven up the dish.

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and this soup is no exception. The base of the soup typically consists of a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat (usually butter or oil) cooked together until it reaches a rich, nutty color. The roux serves as a thickening agent and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.

To start making this wonderful soup, first, gather your ingredients. You'll need some basic pantry staples like onions, celery, and bell peppers. These three vegetables, often referred to as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking, form the foundation of many Cajun dishes. Chop them finely and set them aside.

Next, in a large pot, melt some butter over medium - heat. Once the butter is melted, add a couple of tablespoons of flour to it. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent the flour from burning. As you stir, the mixture will start to change color. Keep stirring until it turns a deep, golden - brown color. This is your roux. The process of making a roux can be a bit tricky, as it requires constant attention, but the end result is well worth it.

Once your roux is ready, add the chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté them in the roux until they become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. The roux will coat the vegetables, infusing them with its rich flavor.

After the vegetables are cooked, it's time to add the liquid. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. Pour in enough broth to cover the vegetables, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

Now, it's time to add the Cajun - inspired elements. You can use Cajun seasoning, which typically contains a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Add a generous amount of Cajun seasoning to the soup, along with some salt and pepper to taste. If you like it extra spicy, you can also add some crushed red pepper flakes.

As the soup simmers, you can prepare the rice. You can use white rice or brown rice, depending on your dietary preferences. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, it's time to serve the soup.

To serve, ladle the soup over a bed of cooked rice in a bowl. Top it with sliced green onions. The green onions add a fresh, crisp flavor to the soup and make it look more appealing. And don't forget the bottled hot pepper sauce. You can drizzle a little bit of hot sauce over the soup to give it an extra kick.

This Cajun - inspired soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening. It's a one - pot meal that is both filling and full of flavor. You can also customize it according to your taste. If you have some leftover chicken or sausage, you can add them to the soup to make it even heartier.

So, the next time you're looking for a new dinner and meal idea, give this Cajun - inspired soup a try. It's sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, this soup is easy to make and will leave everyone satisfied. And with the addition of the hot pepper sauce, you can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste, making it a versatile and delicious dish for any occasion.