"Dollar" Instant Pot Cajun Cabbage and Sausage

Experience a burst of bold flavors with our Cajun-inspired Instant Pot cabbage, paired perfectly with spicy andouille sausage and a medley of Cajun seasonings. This tasty and convenient dish brings the vibrant taste of Louisiana to your table in no time.

The tender cabbage absorbs the rich, smoky flavors of the sausage and spices, creating a hearty, aromatic meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick culinary adventure, this Cajun-flavored delight promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort.

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Talk about a recipe that is just quick and good, it is this instant pot cabbage and sausage.

It ain’t fancy, it’s just honest to goodness real deal delicious grub. Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage give the dish flavor, depth, and substance making it a great one-pot, one bowl main dish that's ready in under 20 minutes.

You'll definitely want to make a big batch with leftovers in mind cause the dish only gets better over time.

Cabbage is a wonder vegetable - it’s cheap, tasty, and healthy. You gotta couple of dollars, they will go far with this dinner. Just let it circulate.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried cabbage)

Steve Spasek's song "Dollar" pairs exceptionally well with Cajun Instant Pot cabbage and sausage due to its laid-back yet vibrant groove, which complements the dish's bold, spicy flavors.

The song's rhythmic beats and smooth, soulful vibe enhance the culinary experience, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for savoring the rich, smoky notes of andouille sausage and Cajun seasonings. J

ust as the dish combines convenience with a punch of Southern flair, the song blends easy-going melodies with a dynamic energy, making them a harmonious match for a delightful and flavorful dining experience.

Cajun Cabbage and Sausage Ingredients

The ingredient list is short but big on flavor thanks to a few cajun vegetable staples like onions, garlic, and celery. Toss in cayenne and a good smoked paprika and you’re winning big. Bacon is also a nice add that gives another layer of smokiness.

Key Flavor Ingredients

• Pancetta or bacon - adds a rich, smoky flavor to Instant Pot Cajun cabbage. The rendered fat from the pancetta or bacon infuses the cabbage with a deep, savory taste, enhancing the overall depth of the dish. This addition also provides a slightly salty, umami element that complements the spicy Cajun seasonings and the robust flavor of andouille sausage, making the dish more complex and delicious.
• Garlic cloves - add a robust, aromatic flavor and a hint of pungent sweetness. As the garlic cooks, it mellows and infuses the dish with a savory depth that enhances the other ingredients. The garlic's natural oils release a rich, fragrant aroma that complements the other ingredients. Its subtle warmth and earthiness round out the flavors, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. You also get additional garlic flavor from the garlic powder in the homemade cajun seasoning mix.
• White onion - adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and aromatic depth. As the onion cooks, it becomes tender and caramelizes, enhancing the dish with a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness of the Cajun seasonings.
• Celery - adds a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, slightly peppery flavor to the cabbage. Its natural crunch provides a pleasant contrast to the tender cabbage and sausage, enhancing the dish's overall texture. Celery also contributes a subtle, aromatic bitterness that balances the richness of the andouille sausage and the bold Cajun seasonings. Additionally, as it cooks, celery releases its natural juices, which help to deepen the savory profile of the dish, making it more flavorful and well-rounded.
• Andouille sausage - is a key ingredient in Cajun cuisine known for its bold and robust taste. When added to the dish, andouille sausage releases its flavorful oils and juices, infusing the cabbage and other ingredients with its distinctive smokiness and spiciness. This sausage variety typically contains a blend of pork, garlic, onions, and Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, which further enhance the dish's overall depth and complexity. The texture of andouille sausage also provides a satisfying chewiness and contrasts nicely with the tender cabbage, creating a hearty and flavorful meal that embodies the essence of Cajun cooking.
• Smoked sweet paprika - adds a rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color to the cabbage. It enhances the dish with its deep, earthy notes and subtle sweetness, reminiscent of traditional smoked meats. The smokiness from the paprika complements the flavors of the andouille sausage and other Cajun seasonings, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper - adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor. It enhances the dish with its distinctive heat, which complements the savory and smoky notes from ingredients like andouille sausage and paprika. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference to achieve the desired level of heat.
• Whole bay leaf - When added to the dish, bay leaf releases its oils and imparts a mild, earthy essence that enhances the overall complexity of flavors. It contributes a hint of bitterness and a touch of sweetness, balancing out the richness of the andouille sausage and the bold Cajun seasonings. Bay leaf also helps to infuse the cabbage and other ingredients with its unique herbal notes during the cooking process, providing a depth of flavor that is characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
• Chicken stock or chicken broth- adds savory depth and richness. It serves as a flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The stock infuses the cabbage, sausage, and vegetables with a robust umami flavor, making the dish more satisfying and complex. Additionally, chicken stock helps to tenderize the cabbage and vegetables as they cook under pressure in the Instant Pot, ensuring they absorb the flavors of the Cajun seasonings and other ingredients.
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper

How To Make Instant Pot Cabbage Step By Step

Step 1: Fry the bacon

Step 2: Cook aromatics

Step 3: Cook Sausage

Step 4: Cook cabbage

Serving Suggestions

This is such a comforting and filling bowl that all I need is a bottle of good pepper sauce. Rice or pasta works surprisingly well, especially if you need to stretch things to feed a larger crew.

Instant Pot Cajun cabbage pairs well with a variety of dishes that complement its bold flavors and hearty nature. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside:

1. Cornbread: A classic Southern side that complements the spicy and savory flavors of Cajun cabbage.
2. Rice: Serve with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
3. Grilled or Smoked Meats: Such as grilled chicken, smoked sausage, or barbecue ribs, which enhance the smoky and savory notes of the dish.
4. Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf or French bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
5. Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy slaw provides a cool contrast to the spicy Cajun flavors.
6. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the dish and adds a comforting side.
7. Steamed Vegetables: Such as green beans or broccoli, to add more variety and nutrients to the meal.
8. Corn on the Cob: A simple and traditional side dish that pairs well with the flavors of Cajun cuisine.

These pairings enhance the overall dining experience, offering a balance of flavors and textures that complement Instant Pot Cajun cabbage perfectly.

Instant Pot Cabbage and Sausage Expert Cooking Tips

• Don't worry about the amount of cabbage being too much, as it will all collapse during cooking
• For softer texture cook 5-6 minutes instead, but be careful as cooking too long can lead to mushy cabbage
• Save a pinch or two of the seasoning mix and add to the cabbage once it is done.
• This recipe makes for a nice soup too. Just double the amount of chicken stock. You can also use a vegetable broth in place of the stock
• For a flavor bomb saute with butter for a delicious instant pot buttered cabbage dish.
• This dish can also work with corned beef but the flavor profile will be a bit different.
• Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container and refrigerate. You can reheat via microwave.

How To Pick Fresh Green Cabbage

Choosing fresh cabbage is essential for ensuring optimal flavor and texture in your dishes. Here are some tips on how to pick fresh green cabbage:

1. Appearance: Look for cabbage heads that are firm, compact, and heavy for their size. Avoid cabbages that feel light or have soft spots or bruises.
2. Color: The outer leaves should be crisp and tightly packed around the head. The color should be vibrant green without any discoloration or yellowing.
3. Texture: Gently press the cabbage head with your fingers to feel for firmness. It should feel dense and not spongy or soft.
4. Leaves: Check the outer leaves for any signs of wilting or damage. Fresh cabbage leaves should be smooth and free of holes or tears.
5. Smell: Fresh cabbage should have a clean, slightly sweet aroma. Avoid cabbages with a strong or unpleasant odor.
6. Season: Cabbage is typically best in late fall through winter, but it is available year-round. During peak season, you may find fresher and more flavorful options.

Instant Pot Cabbage Frequently Asked Questions and (FAQs)

Can this be cooked in a traditional skillet?

Frying the cabbage in a cast-iron skillet is a great way to enjoy this dish. It’s still relatively quick but is not as hands-free as the instant pot version.

What Is Pancetta?

Texturally and similarly in appearance Pancetta is very much like bacon. It is a pork product that is made from pork belly just like bacon. It is also cured like bacon, but not smoked.

Can I Use Regular Bacon?

Bacon is actually optional in this recipe, but you know what bacon does to the flavor of any dish. Bacon be raising dishes up like elevators! I used pancetta because I just happen to have some on hand and I like the more tart flavor. Try this guide for other options for seasoning cabbage.

What Is Actual Cooking Time?

Though the cooking time is only 2 minutes, you do have to account for the pot coming up to pressure (8-10 minutes) before cooking. Add in the 1 minute quick release time and the dish cooks in 20 minutes max.

For other cabbage recipes you might like try these:

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Smoked Cabbage Wedges

Southern Fried Cabbage

Cabbage Stew with Smoked Brisket

Jamaican Corned Beef and Cabbage

Smoky Braised Cabbage

For more instant pot recipes

Instant Pot Braised Brussel Sprouts

Instant Pot Collard Greens and Smoked Brisket

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Thighs

Make This Instant Pot Cabbage Recipe

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