Cassoulet Soup

Cassoulet Soup Recipe - A Hearty French Stew with Chicken and Sausage

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cassoulet soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that originated in the south of France. This soup is a variation of the traditional cassoulet, a rich and slow-cooked casserole made with meat, beans, and breadcrumbs. The soup version is a quicker and easier way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cassoulet.

History

Cassoulet soup is inspired by the traditional cassoulet dish, which dates back to the 14th century in the region of Languedoc in France. The original cassoulet was a peasant dish made with simple ingredients like beans, pork, and duck confit. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and adapted to different regions, with each area adding its own twist to the classic dish.

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
2 oz (57 g) smoked sausage, sliced into thin rounds
1 tsp thyme
0.67 cup white wine
2 cup chicken broth
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can white beans, drained
1.5 cup dark chicken meat, diced
2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to prepare

Sauté the onion and sausage in a large saucepan until they are browned.
Add the thyme and stir for one minute.
Add the wine and let it boil until slightly reduced, which should take about 2 minutes.
Stir in the broth, 1 cup of beans, and the chicken.
Mash the remaining beans and add them to the pot.
Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity.
Use different types of beans like kidney beans or black beans.
Substitute the smoked sausage with bacon or chorizo for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a good quality smoked sausage for added flavor.

- Make sure to brown the onion and sausage well to develop rich flavors.

- Mash some of the beans to thicken the soup and add texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt and pepper if needed.

- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cassoulet soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a perfect French-inspired dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onion and sausage helps to develop the flavors of the soup.

- Simmering the soup allows the ingredients to meld together and create a rich and hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Swap the dark meat for chicken breast or turkey for a leaner option.

Make Ahead Tips

The cassoulet soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cassoulet soup in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the cassoulet soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or a light beer would complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cassoulet soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 28g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 2g

Fats

Total Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 6%

Iron: 15%

Vitamin A: 4%

Vitamin C: 8%

Alergens

Contains: Soy

Summary

Cassoulet soup is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is rich in fiber, iron, and vitamin C, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Cassoulet soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and hearty beans, this soup is a satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy the flavors of France with this easy and delicious cassoulet soup recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cassoulet Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the French countryside. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had always inspired me with her delicious meals and I had always dreamed of learning her secrets.

One day, while exploring the dusty old attic of our family home, I stumbled upon a worn and tattered cookbook. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Cassoulet Soup. The ingredients were simple, yet the flavors sounded rich and comforting. I knew I had to try it.

Excited, I ran to my grandmother and showed her the recipe. Her eyes lit up with recognition as she took the cookbook from me. With a smile, she told me that Cassoulet Soup was a traditional dish in our family, passed down from generation to generation. She explained that the recipe had been given to her by her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

Eager to learn, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the soup. She agreed, and together we gathered the ingredients and set to work in the cozy kitchen. As we chopped vegetables, simmered beans, and browned sausage, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of cooking with her grandmother.

The aroma of the simmering soup filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When it was finally ready, my grandmother ladled steaming bowls of Cassoulet Soup into our favorite ceramic bowls. As we sat at the table, savoring the rich flavors and hearty textures, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.

Over the years, I continued to make Cassoulet Soup for my own family and friends. I added my own twists and variations, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make the recipe truly my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the soup always brought me back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, learning from her and feeling the warmth of tradition envelop me.

Now, as I sit with my own grandchildren, sharing the recipe for Cassoulet Soup and teaching them the same techniques that my grandmother taught me, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary legacy that has been passed down through the generations. The simple act of cooking a meal has connected me not only to my family's past, but to a rich and vibrant culinary tradition that has shaped who I am today.

And so, as I ladle steaming bowls of Cassoulet Soup into my grandchildren's eager hands, I know that this recipe will continue to be a source of joy, comfort, and connection for many years to come. For in each spoonful of this hearty and flavorful soup, lies a story of love, tradition, and the enduring power of family recipes.