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Home / Recipes / Main Courses / Seafood / Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

October 6, 2018 By Jill Selkowitz / 15 Comments Updated February 25, 2020 / As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs I earn from qualifying purchases; see all disclosures.

Jump to Recipe

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya, originating from the French Quarter a/k/a “creole” & “red” jambalaya is made with andouille, chicken and shrimp.

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a Creole dish which consists of meat, smoked sausage, rice and vegetables. The rice cooks with the other ingredients.

Originating from the French Quarter in New Orleans, jambalaya is primarily found in and around New Orleans, while Cajun Jambalaya is generally found in the more rural areas of Louisiana.

It’s not really a time consuming recipe, but cooking jambalaya in an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker, makes it so much easier, quicker and the flavors infuse nicely.

This is a low carb and keto recipe, however, for those not following a ketogenic lifestyle, I will add directions for adding rice on the recipe card below.

 

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

There are a few types of jambalaya originating from Louisiana.

As many people prefer a more simple jambalaya, my Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya recipe is cooked similarly to the Cajun style, in that there are no vegetables, other than the vegetables which make up the trinity, but is a Creole recipe.

Clearly cauliflower is a vegetable, but in this low carb and keto recipe, it will replace the rice.

Jump to Section

  • Ingredients for Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya
  • What is Andouille Sausage?
  • What is the Holy Trinity?
  • Difference Between Cajun Jambalaya and Creole Jambalaya.
  • Tips and Tricks.
  • Other Louisiana Recipes to Try:
  • Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Ingredients for Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

  • Andouille – or Mexican chorizo or kielbasa can be substituted.
  • Shrimp – intestinal tract removed and in the shells, with tails.
  • Chicken is optional. More sausage or shrimp can be used.
  • Riced Cauliflower – this is totally optional. Mashed cauliflower, mashed turnips or a low carb bread can be used to sop up the broth.

Creole Jambalaya includes tomatoes.

Cajun Jambalaya does not include tomatoes and is spicier.

 

Andouille Sausage

Andouille Sausage

What is Andouille Sausage?

  • Andouille is a smoked sausage made with pork. It is mildly spicy from the garlic, onions, pepper and wine.
  • It is referred to as just Andouille, not Andouille sausage.
  • After stuffing the sausage into the casing, it is once again smoked.

The wonderful fat from the sliced andouille will render and the trinity will cook in the fat and add tons of flavor..

 

The Trinity or Holy Trinity

The Trinity or Holy Trinity

When cooking in an Instant Pot DUO Plus, a Ninja Foodi or a stand alone Pressure Cooker, size matters…..for some things.

In Latin cooking, many recipes start with a sofrito, which is a mixture of onions, peppers, garlic and tomato. The Italian version is called soffritto, a take on the French mirepoix.

What is the Holy Trinity?

Also referred to as just the “trinity,” the Holy Trinity is just peppers, onions and celery.

In Creole and Cajun cooking, the base of many dishes like jambalaya, gumbo and étouffée (shellfish served over rice) always start with a trinity or Holy Trinity.

Bell Peppers and onions cook and soften much faster than celery.

Therefore, celery should be cut into smaller pieces than the onions and peppers, so that the trinity is cooked to perfection.

 

Hot Pot, Drop of Olive Oil

Hot Pot, Drop of Olive Oil

Only a small amount of olive oil is needed, as the andouille sausage will give off enough fat to cook the trinity.

With a very hot pot and cold oil, your cooking pot will become non-stick!

 

Sauté Trinity, Andouille and Seasonings

Sauté Trinity, Andouille and Seasonings

Difference Between Cajun Jambalaya and Creole Jambalaya.

Creole Jambalaya.

Creole jambalaya originates from the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Much like many of the regional cuisines of Louisiana, both Creole and Cajun jambalaya start with a “trinity” or “holy trinity.”

Trinity is a mix of celery, peppers and onions.

Unlike Cajun jambalaya, tomatoes are used in Creole or “red” jambalaya.

In the area, Creole jambalaya is simply referred to as “jambalaya.”

Cajun Jambalaya.

Cajun jambalaya, which is spicier and has a smoky flavor is found in the more rural areas of Southwestern and South-Central, Louisiana.

Tomatoes are not used in Cajun Jambalaya. Instead, the meat is browned in a cast iron skillet and the pieces of meat, sugars and fat that are rendered and stick to the skillet are what is called “sucs.” As the sucs release (deglazing) and become a sauce, it is then referred to as “fond.” In the US, those same browned bits are what is called fond (as opposed to the sauce).

The process of making the sauce is what gives Cajun jambalaya a brown color and why in the New Orleans area, Cajun jambalaya is referred to as “brown” jambalaya.

The Cajun folk refer to their “brown” jambalaya as just “jambalaya” and refer to the Creole jambalaya as “red” jambalaya.

 

Chunks of Chicken Get a Quick Mixed

Chunks of Chicken Get a Quick Mixed

Chunks of white meat or dark meat chicken are quickly mixed through the seasoned veggies.

Chicken and sausage are the types of meat generally found in Creole Jambalaya.

For this Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya version, jumbo shrimp in the shells are used too.

 

Tomato Puree, Chicken Broth, Bay Leaves go into cooking pot

Tomato Puree, Chicken Broth, Bay Leaves

Diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes can be used.

If using whole peeled tomatoes, give them a quick pulse through the food processor to dice/puree.

For this Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya recipe, only a small amount of chicken broth is used.

Check the notes section in the recipe below for the measurements to turn this low carb jambalaya into a “proper” jambalaya, which would include rice cooked together.

Bay Leaves add a slightly floral, herbal fragrance. They are often used in stews and soups.

It is important to remove them before serving, as they can be abrasive to the digestive tract.

 

Riced Cauliflower and Shrimp Quickly Cook in residual heat

Riced Cauliflower and Shrimp Quickly Cook

Shrimp and cauliflower cook very fast.

The shells and tails from the shrimp add wonderful flavor to the broth. If this offends you, feel free to use totally cleaned shrimp.

Adding parsley last gives the best flavor.

 

Yummy New Orleans Jambalaya

Yummy New Orleans Jambalaya

This Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya almost looks like gumbo, because of the lack of rice.

Tips and Tricks.

  1. Hot Pot, cold oil.
  2. Dice the celery smaller than the onions and peppers for even cooking.
  3. Use large chunks of chicken to prevent over cooking. Add one minute of pressure cook time if using dark meat.
  4. Leave shells and tails on shrimp for more flavor.
  5. Break cauliflower into pieces and place in food processor. Pulse just a few times for perfect cauliflower rice. There is no need to spend extra money on a bag of already riced cauliflower.

If you use Bob’s Red Mill Low Carb Bread Mix, add an extra egg, an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 2 Tablespoons of chia seeds to the recipe. After punching down the bread, shaping and placing in a loaf pan, allow the bread to rise about 60 minutes and then bake.

 

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

The broth is so delicious. You really need to have a nice low carb / keto bread to sop up the delicious broth.

For those not doing low carb or keto, but prefer bread, try my Country Sourdough Bread recipe.

Cauliflower is totally optional and does not have to be used.

Maybe some mashed turnips or other low carb vegetable. Another idea is my Pressure Cooker Mashed Cauliflower Soufflé.

Anything that will sop up the broth will work.

Other Louisiana Recipes to Try:

  • Pressure Cooker Shrimp Po Boy Roll
  • Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish {Louisiana Cajun Style}
  • Pressure Cooker Southern Style Green Beans

Kitchen Equipment and Essentials

  • Instant Pot DUO Plus, a Ninja Foodi or a stand alone Pressure Cooker
  • J.A. Henckels Classic 8 inch Chef’s Knife
  • Amco Advanced Performance 18/10 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
  • Simply Gourmet (Dry) Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
  • Anchor Hocking Glass (Liquid) Measuring Cups
  • di Oro Living Silicone Spatulas Set
  • Rachael Ray Stoneware EVOO Oil Dispensing Bottle
  • Alton Brown Salt Box
  • Gravity Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder
  • My FANTASTIC Teak Cutting & Charcuterie Board & Compartments
  • Cuisinart Large Food Processor – to make cauliflower rice

Caring is sharing! If you would like to support This Old Gal, please share this recipe on Social Media, so that I can continue to bring you more wonderful recipes!

If you share a picture of something you make from our blog, tag it with #thisoldgalcooks so we can see it. We might feature it on Instagram! It makes my day when I see you’ve made one of our recipes!

Here is the handy printable recipe:

Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

5 from 3 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main
Cuisine: Creole, French Creole, Louisiana
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Pressure Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 355kcal
Author: Jill Selkowitz

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow/Brown Onion rough chopped
  • 3 stalks Fresh Celery chopped
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper rough chopped
  • 14 ounces Andouille Sausage sliced 1/2" slices
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts Boneless/Skinless cut into 2 inch chunks
  • 28 ounces Diced Tomatoes w/Juice
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Stock/Broth
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 head Cauliflower riced
  • 1 pound Jumbo Shrimp cleaned with tails on
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley Flakes
US Customary - Metric

Recommended Products

Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
J.A. Henckels Classic 8 inch Chef's Knife
High Heat Resistant Spatula

Instructions

  • Select Sauté/Browning on pressure cooker and allow pot to fully heat.
  • Add oil and swirl to coat bottom of pan. 
  • Add Andouille slices, onion, celery, pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, chili, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper
  • Sauté for 5 minutes, or until liquid from trinity has evaporated.
  • Stir in chicken, diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Place bay leaves on top.
  • Lock on lid and close pressure valve.  Cook at high pressure (most machines default to high pressure) for 3 minutes. 
  • When beep sounds, wait 10 minutes and then release the rest of the pressure.
  • Open lid, select Sauté/Browning and mix in riced cauliflower, shrimp and parsley.
  • When shrimp turn pink, remove the bay leaves and serve.

Notes

Andouille is a smoked sausage made with pork. It is mildly spicy from the garlic, onions, pepper and wine.
Diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes can be used.
If using whole peeled tomatoes, give them a quick pulse through the food processor to dice/puree.
If using dark meat chicken, pressure cook 4 minutes.

Holy Trinity

  • Also referred to as just the "trinity," the Holy Trinity is just peppers, onions and celery.
  • In Creole and Cajun cooking, the base of many dishes like jambalaya, gumbo and étouffée (shellfish served over rice) always start with a trinity or Holy Trinity.

Additional Ingredients if using White Rice

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 16 ounces rinsed rice
Add the extra ingredients in prior to adding bay leaves.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Hot Pot, cold oil.
  2. Dice the celery smaller than the onions and peppers for even cooking.
  3. Use large chunks of chicken to prevent over cooking. Add one minute of pressure cook time if using dark meat.
  4. Leave shells and tails on shrimp for more flavor.
  5. Break cauliflower into pieces and place in food processor. Pulse just a few times for perfect cauliflower rice. There is no need to spend extra money on a bag of already riced cauliflower.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya
Amount Per Serving
Calories 355 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 220mg73%
Sodium 1480mg64%
Potassium 933mg27%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 36g72%
Vitamin A 970IU19%
Vitamin C 75.9mg92%
Calcium 168mg17%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThisOldGalCooks or tag #thisoldgalcooks!
© ThisOldGal.com - Sharing the recipe link to any of my recipes posts are both encouraged and appreciated. Unauthorized and improperly attributed or non-attributed use of this material, including screen shots, copy/paste of full recipes to any social media site, website, mobile application or service (e.g., copymethat, recipe keeper, pepper) or cookbook, without the requisite attribution or otherwise with express written permission from Jill Selkowitz is strictly prohibited. You may share a photo with a link back instead.

PIN this Instant Pot Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya!

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Low Carb New Orleans Jambalaya

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  • 13.1K

October 6, 2018

About Jill Selkowitz

Hi, I'm Jill. I'm a mom to Tonkinese cats and enjoy sharing restaurant quality meals, easily made at home. With my easy step by step photos and directions, new cooks will be able to follow along and cook like rock stars.

Comments

  1. Jeff says

    February 25, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    This recipe is top notch. One suggestion is to update the timing as it’s a bit misleading. Cook time is set to 3 minutes but that doesn’t include 18 minutes to build pressure, 10 minute natural release, and 3-5 minutes for shrimp to cook.. Would suggest updating cook time from “3” minutes to ~35

    Reply
  2. Cat says

    November 20, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! This is a fantastic recipe, keto or not! Kudos!

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      November 21, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      Thank you, Cat. Jill

      Reply
  3. Garnet L Bowman says

    October 13, 2019 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    I made this last night for my kids, grandkids and my husband. It was gobbled down by all. None was left and I was hoping to have left overs for lunch after church today. It is very good and enjoyed by all.

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      October 13, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      I am so thrilled to hear this, Garnet. Thank you so much. Jill

      Reply
  4. Joan says

    August 16, 2019 at 9:32 am

    5 stars
    Delicious, fast and easy! Makes a ton! There is only 2 of us and I froze what we didnt eat for another time when I don’t feel like or have time for cooking. My husband loved it!

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      August 16, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      Thank you, Joan. Jill

      Reply
  5. Dulce says

    June 9, 2019 at 8:50 am

    Hi there! I’m going to cook this with Cal Rose rice. Is it 1 cup of chicken broth or 1.5 cups of chicken broth? I can’t wait to try this!! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      June 13, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      Just one additional. Jill

      Reply
  6. Dita says

    April 7, 2019 at 3:11 pm

    When do u add the red peppers?

    Reply
  7. B says

    January 31, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    If using rice, when is the best time to add it to instant pot?

    Reply
  8. Glenda Rogers says

    October 14, 2018 at 4:08 am

    PLease post the spices needed to make it cajun jambalaya instead I fell creole

    Reply
  9. Chzplz says

    October 6, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    …also, the printed recipe says to put the bay leaves on top, the photo version says to sink them into the liquid.

    Reply
  10. ChzPlz says

    October 6, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    Hi – the printed recipe is missing the bay leaves from the ingredient list. I guessed two…?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      October 6, 2018 at 5:05 pm

      Thank you so much. I added them. Jill

      Reply

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