Craving a meal that'll transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana without spending hours in the kitchen? Get ready to unleash a flavor explosion with this quick and easy Instant Pot Gumbo Soup that promises restaurant-quality taste in under an hour! Packed with succulent sausage, tender shrimp, and a symphony of Cajun spices, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero - no culinary degree required!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the sausage, chop the bell pepper, onion, and celery, and ensure the shrimp is peeled and deveined. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Once hot, add the sliced sausage to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and has released some of its fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables with the sausage for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they are softened and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, and stir well to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly. Allow the spices to cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Cajun seasoning may already contain salt, so adjust accordingly.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After this, carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Close the lid again and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Taste the gumbo soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it sit on 'Sauté' mode for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Serve the gumbo soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cajun-inspired meal!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Chop all your vegetables and slice sausage before you start cooking to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Don't Skip the Sauté: Browning the sausage first develops deep, rich flavors that are fundamental to an authentic gumbo.
- Seasoning Matters: Cajun seasoning is the soul of this dish. Use a high-quality blend, and taste as you go to adjust the heat and flavor.
- Shrimp Timing: Add shrimp at the end to prevent overcooking. They should be just pink and opaque for the perfect tender texture.
- Optional Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gumbo, let it simmer on 'Sauté' mode for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize with additional proteins like chicken or swap seafood based on your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 57mg
