French Cassoulet Maigre (Meaning Thin)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 3
Traditional French Cassoulet Maigre Recipe for a Hearty Meal
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

4 hr

Ready In

4 hr 30 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 duck , rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless pork shoulder , cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch cubes
1 1/2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder , cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch cubes
2 2 lbs Polish sausage or 2 lbs any good sausage , cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons glace de viande ( optional )
2 lbs dried white beans , washed and drained
1 large carrot
1 onion , studded with
2 cloves , plus
3 onions , chopped
1 head garlic , unpeeled , plus
4 garlic cloves , chopped
2 bouquet garni
5 tablespoons butter ( divided )
2 lbs tomatoes , peeled , seeded , and chopped or 4 lbs canned tomatoes , drained and chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3 sprigs fresh parsley , chopped , for garnish

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
859
Sugar
4g
Fat
53g
Cassoulet is a classic French dish that originated in the south of France. There are many variations of cassoulet, but most include some combination of white beans, meat, and a rich tomato sauce. This particular recipe is a Maigre version, meaning it is a 'thin' cassoulet that omits the classic ingredients of duck and preserved meats. Instead, it uses pork shoulder, lamb shoulder, and Polish sausage to add flavor and texture. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 275°F.
2.In a large Dutch oven, heat the butter or vegetable oil over medium heat.
3.Add the pork and lamb shoulder and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
4.Add the sausage and cook for another 5 minutes.
5.Add the salt and pepper.
6.Pour in the wine and glace de viande, if using, and stir to combine.
7.Add the white beans, carrot, onion studded with cloves, garlic head, and bouquet garni.
8.Add enough water to cover the ingredients, and bring to a boil.
9.Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
10.Bake, shaking the pot occasionally, until the beans are tender, about 3 1/2 hours.
11.During the last 30 minutes of cooking, make the tomato sauce.
12.In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat.
13.Add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
14.Add the tomatoes with their juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
15.Cook the sauce until it has thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
16.Remove the cassoulet from the oven.
17.Discard the carrot, onion, garlic head, and bouquet garni.
18.Spoon off any fat that has risen to the surface.
19.Stir in the tomato sauce.
20.Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a skillet.
21.Add the parsley and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
22.Spoon the cassoulet into bowls and garnish with the parsley butter before serving.

PROS

This hearty cassoulet is a French classic that is perfect for a chilly evening.

It is packed with flavorful meat and beans, and finished with a rich tomato sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CONS

The long cooking time may be intimidating, but it is necessary to fully develop the flavors.

This dish is also quite heavy and high in calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy, it does offer protein and fiber from the beans and meat.
The tomato sauce also provides a serving of vegetables, which is always a bonus.

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