Cajun food is always popular, but it becomes a "must serve" item around Mardi Gras. I recently experimented with barbecue sauces and came up with the following Cajun Barbecue Sauce which can be made either in the Instant Pot (fastest), or the slow cooker (takes longer, but no monitoring necessary). Both methods turn out equally well. This sauce is a bit spicy, and contains the Cajun Trinity (green peppers, celery, and onions), as well as garlic, and thyme which are essential ingredients in most Cajun dishes. It has just the right amount of sweet, so it's not only perfect to serve with grilled meats and poultry, but it is fabulous mixed with pulled pork served on slider rolls Brioche or Crispy French rolls. I like to make my own slider rolls-the dough is a no-brainer when made in the automatic bread machine-but your sandwiches will be fabulous served on fresh store-bought rolls if you're short on time. Southern tradition dictates that pulled pork sandwiches contain coleslaw, so Mardi Gras Slaw should be served also.

This sauce is an essential ingredient in Cajun Pulled Pork Sliders


24 Servings

3 stalks celery, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 15 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies
3 bay leaves
3 cups catsup
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1. Place all ingredients except pork juices in the instant pot.
2. Stir, cover, and set the valve to sealing.
3. Turn the pot to Manual for 15 minutes.
4. When the cycle is finished, release the pressure.
5. Place the mixture in the blender (in batches) and blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin down with chicken broth or juices from the Cajun pulled pork.
6. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow cooker; cook 6 to 8 hours on low.
7. Continue with the directions as above.
8. Place the sauce in freezer bags and freeze for up to a year.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 104 Calories from Fat 4
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 4% Protein 7% Carb. 89%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 515 mg
Total Carbohydrate 23 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 41% Calcium 0% Iron 8%