Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Flavorful Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice recipe! With a perfect blend of Cajun spices, savory sausage, and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, with the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have dinner on the table in no time. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering meal step by step, answer some frequently asked questions, provide helpful tips and variations, and even offer keto and low-carb versions. Let’s dive in!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage? A: Yes, feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer. Smoked sausage or kielbasa would work well in this recipe.

Q: What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning? A: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? A: Brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced into medium pieces
  • 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, diced into medium pieces
  • 3/4 cup celery, diced into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes OR 1/2 a medium yellow onion, diced
  • 12-20 ounces Cajun Style Andouille Sausage (adjust to preference)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice or jasmine rice

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

  1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil.
  2. Once hot, add diced bell peppers, celery, and onion flakes (or diced onion). Sauté until softened.

Step 2: Add Sausage and Spices

  1. Add sliced Cajun Style Andouille Sausage to the Instant Pot and cook until lightly browned.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.

Step 3: Deglaze Pot and Add Liquid

  1. Pour in soy sauce, chicken broth, and water, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Add white rice to the pot and give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

  1. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
  2. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  3. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
  2. Serve the Cajun Sausage and Rice hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, okra, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences. For a milder dish, use less seasoning.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options:

  • Cauliflower Rice: Substitute cauliflower rice for the white or jasmine rice to make a low-carb version of this dish.
  • Turkey Sausage: Opt for turkey sausage instead of Andouille sausage to reduce the fat content and make it keto-friendly.

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a delicious Cajun-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try and indulge in the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine!