Instant Pot Smoked Sausage Stew

Ingredients

tsp olive oil divided
14 oz. Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage Cut into 1½-inch pieces
medium onion chopped
cloves garlic minced
ribs celery chopped
carrots sliced into ½-inch rounds
lb potatoes small gold, cut into halves or quarters
bay leaves
tsp thyme dried
cups chicken stock
cup apple cider
tsp Kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
cup sauerkraut drained
whole grain mustard for garnish, optional

Directions

Using the SAUTE function, add the oil into the Instant Pot. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage, stirring occassionally, until lightly browned all over. Remove from Instant Pot.
Add the onion and saute until soft, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any of the sausage bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan, about 4 minutes.
Next, add the celery and carrots and cook for about 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Hit CANCEL. Now, add the potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, chicken stock, apple cider, salt pepper, and finally, the sautéed sausage. Cover and set Release Valve to Sealing. Select PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL or STEW on High for 4 minutes.
When pressure cooking has finished, hit CANCEL. Naturally Release for 5 minutes, and then very carefully move the Release Valve to Venting for Quick Release.
Once the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Stir in the sauerkraut. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
Remove the bay leaves and serve at once, with whole grain mustard on the side, if desired.

Notes

Cutting the sausage and vegetables into larger pieces will keep them somewhat firmer as they pressure cook, and not be too soft when served.

We love using small Yukon gold potatoes, but red potatoes work great, too.

If you can't find apple cider, regular apple juice can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition