Ingredients

1 lb dried white bean , such as great northern
1 tablespoon table salt
1 smoked ham hock or 1 smoked ham shank
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 onion , left intact
5 garlic cloves , peeled and lightly crushed
1 bay leaf
8 cups cold water
1 head garlic , whole
3 tablespoons olive oil , divided
6 ounces kielbasa , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 lb button mushrooms or 1 lb cremini mushroom , minced
1/2 onion , minced
1 teaspoon minced thyme leaves
salt , to taste
ground black pepper , to taste
5 slices day-old white bread , crusts removed and pulsed to crumbs in the food processor
The Moderately Meaty Cassoulet is a French dish that originated in the region of Languedoc, and has become a classic comfort food around the world. A traditional cassoulet is made with pork, sausage, and beans, but this recipe includes several modifications to make it a moderately meaty version. The recipe calls for the use of kielbasa, white beans, and mushrooms, and is flavored with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The dish is slowly cooked on the stovetop, then finished in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together. It's a cozy meal that's perfect for a family dinner on a cold night.

Instructions

1.Rinse the white beans in cold water and discard any debris or shriveled beans.
2.In a large pot, combine the beans, salt, ham hock or shank, rosemary, thyme, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaf, and cold water.
3.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, about 2 hours.
4.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5.Cut off the top of the head of garlic, exposing the cloves, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and bake until the cloves are golden and soft, about 35 minutes.
6.In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set aside.
7.In the same pan, add the minced mushrooms, onion, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and golden brown, about 15 minutes.
8.Add the reserved kielbasa to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9.Spread the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
10.Just before serving, remove the ham hock or shank and discard any skin and bones. Roughly chop the meat and return it to the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot, mashing them with a fork.
11.Divide the cassoulet among individual bowls, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs, and serve hot.

PROS

The Moderately Meaty Cassoulet is a comforting and satisfying dish that will warm up your family on a cold evening.

It’s packed with protein from the white beans, ham, and kielbasa.

The recipe can be modified to suit your taste preferences, by adding different types of mushrooms or substituting beef sausage for kielbasa.

CONS

The Moderately Meaty Cassoulet is a calorie-dense dish, and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The preparation time is relatively long, and the dish requires a lot of attention to detail.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The white beans in this dish are an excellent source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
The gluten-free recipe also works for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
The dish contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

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