French > Cassoulet

Le Wavreumont's Cassoulet Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. white beans, soaked overnight
- 1 lb. pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 lb. lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 lb. duck confit
- 1 lb. sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 4 cups of chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large Dutch oven or casserole dish
- Cheesecloth and kitchen twine

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or casserole dish, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add the pork and lamb, and brown on all sides.
4. Add the sausage, and cook for a few minutes until browned.
5. Add the soaked beans, canned tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Tie the duck confit in cheesecloth and add it to the pot.
7. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the oven.
8. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
9. Remove the cheesecloth with the duck confit and shred the meat.
10. Serve hot with the shredded duck confit on top.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 650
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use navy beans or cannellini beans instead of white beans.
- You can use chicken or beef instead of pork and lamb.
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer.
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.

Variations:
- You can add bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
- You can add chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrition.
- You can add a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time.
- Brown the meat in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Tie the duck confit in cheesecloth to prevent it from falling apart in the pot.

Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or thyme

Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Red wine

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the beans are still hard after cooking, add more liquid and continue cooking until tender.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the meat is fully cooked before serving.

Food History:
- Cassoulet is a traditional French dish that originated in the South of France.

Flavor Profiles:
- Savory, hearty, and comforting.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of red wine and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Region: French

Taste: Savory, Rich, Hearty, Herby, Meaty, Comforting