Cassoulet(A French Casserole)
A hearty French casserole featuring tender beans, savory chicken, sausages, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. Great Northern white beans ⓘ
- 5 carrots ⓘ
- 6 medium onions ⓘ
- 4 whole cloves ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans condensed chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 whole black peppers ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried sage leaves
- 1/4 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 4 lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. Polish sausage ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In an 8-quart kettle with a cover, combine the beans with 4 1/2 cups of cold water and soak for 2 hours.
- Do not drain the beans after soaking.
- Meanwhile, pare the carrots and cut them into quarters.
- Peel the onions and stud one onion with whole cloves.
- Add the beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, half of the carrots, the cloved onion, celery leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic, thyme, marjoram, and sage to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Add the remaining carrots and cook, covered, for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced pancetta or using a mixture of beans such as kidney or cannellini. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used instead; just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding. To enhance the dish, try incorporating some smoked paprika or a splash of white wine during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Cassoulet is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with crusty French bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors well. For an additional side, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light potato dish. It also makes a comforting winter meal, perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cassoulet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it appears dry. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cassoulet(A French Casserole) contains roughly 1357 calories, with 35g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cassoulet ahead of time?
Yes, cassoulet can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Just let it cool, refrigerate it, and reheat before serving. This is a great way to save time when hosting guests.
What type of beans work best for cassoulet?
While Great Northern beans are traditional, you can also use cannellini or navy beans. The key is to choose a bean that holds its shape during the long cooking process. For a twist, try using a blend, similar to what you might find in a 15 Bean Stew Mom'S Style.
Can I substitute the meats in cassoulet?
Absolutely! While chicken and sausage are classic, feel free to experiment with duck, pork, or even vegetarian sausage for a meat-free option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for different meats.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).