Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers
Pork
Ingredients
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs of Italian sausage (either sweet and/or hot – just make sure it’s Italian sausage)
2 tbsp (1/4 stick) of salted butter
2 Vidalia/sweet onions, cut longways into strands
2 green bell peppers, cut longways into strands and seeds removed
2 red bell peppers, cut longways into strands and seeds removed
2 tbsp of crushed garlic
1 tsp of oregano
1 tsp of Italian seasoning
1/2 cup of a dry white wine (like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay; NOTE: you can use chicken or garlic broth if you refuse to use wine but I suggest using it if you can for the best flavor)
To Creamily Parmesan-ify The Broth:
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 brick (4 oz) of cream cheese or 5.2 oz of Boursin, cut into chunks
Directions
1. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and hit “Sauté” and “Adjust” so it’s on the “More” or “High” setting. Let it heat up for about 3 minutes and then add in the sausage (as full links) and sear for 3-5 minutes turning it over about every minute so the sides are lightly browned, but not fully cooked. You’ll likely have to do this in two batches. Remove and place on a cutting board when done and let cool for a few minutes
2. Then, add the butter to the pot and scrape/deglaze the bottom to get up as much sausage as possible that may have stuck to it. Once the butter’s melted and bubbling, add in the peppers and onions and stir well until all is coated with the butter and oil. Stir and set for 10 minutes. (NOTE: It will feel like it’s filled to the brim, but these veggies will cook down and release water). As you stir, make sure you continue to deglaze the bottom of the pot from the water the veggies release. We want it nice and clear
3. As the veggies are sautéing in the pot, carefully slice the sausage links into 1/2″ size pieces. You’ll see the edges will be lightly cooked and the center still raw. That’s exactly how it should be and it also makes it easier for the sausage to keep it’s form to slice it AFTER searing since the outer edges close to the casing will have cooked a bit. Place the sliced sausage into a bowl
4. Meanwhile back to the pot, add the garlic, oregano and Italian seasoning and stir for another minute. Follow up with the white wine (or broth) and then place the sausage directly on top of the veggies and DO NOT STIR THEM IN
5. Secure the lid and hit the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button and then hit “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” High Pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release when done
6. If you wish the broth to have a creamy, Parmesan consistency, stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese/Boursin until melded. This is optional but gives it a wonderfully unique twist