Traditional French Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a classic French dish that consists of white beans, meat (usually pork sausage, duck or goose), and a variety of vegetables and herbs. Here’s a recipe for traditional french cassoulet:

Ingredients:

• 400g dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs, usually containing thyme, parsley, and bay leaves)
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 300g pork sausage
• 300g duck confit
• 100g breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Water or chicken stock
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked beans and rinse them under cold water. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, until the beans are tender.
2. While the beans are cooking, preheat the oven to 180°C. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and bouquet garni to the skillet and cook for another 10 minutes.
4. In a separate saute pan, brown the pork sausage on all sides. Set aside.
5. In a large oven-safe dish, layer the beans, vegetables, duck confit, and pork sausage. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add enough water to the dish to come up about halfway. Cover the dish with a lid or foil.
7. Bake in the oven for 2.5 hours. Remove the lid or foil, sprinkle bread crumbs and bake for another 30 minutes, until the top is crispy and golden.
8. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the cassoulet hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
10. Enjoy your delicious home make traditional french cassoulet! Bon appetit!