Quick Cassoulet

French Cassoulet Recipe with Pork, Sausage, and Great Northern Beans

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

Introduction

Quick Cassoulet is a delicious and hearty French-inspired dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is packed with lean protein, vegetables, and beans, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have this comforting dish on the table in no time.

History

Cassoulet is a traditional French dish that originated in the southern region of France. It is a slow-cooked casserole made with meat, beans, and vegetables. The dish is named after the earthenware pot it is traditionally cooked in, called a "cassole." Quick Cassoulet is a simplified version of the classic dish, using lean pork, turkey sausage, and vegetables for a lighter and quicker meal.

Ingredients

nonstick, low-fat cooking spray
6 oz (170 g) lean, boneless pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, cut into wedges
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
0.5 cup reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth
0.5 tsp dried thyme, crushed
3 medium tomatoes, diced
0.25 cup dry white wine or reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can great northern or navy beans, drained
6 oz (170 g) fully cooked, low-fat smoked turkey sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp snipped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Lightly coat a large saucepan or a 4 qt (3.78 liter) dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat.
Add pork and cook for 2–3 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Add onion, carrots, garlic, 0.5 cup of broth, and thyme.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 7–8 minutes or until the pork and vegetables are tender.
Add tomatoes, wine or broth, and beans.
Slightly mash the beans and add sausage.
Bring it to a boil again, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle it with parsley.

Variations

Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different flavor.
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Top with breadcrumbs or cheese before baking for a crispy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the pork before adding the vegetables to develop flavor.

- Slightly mashing the beans will help thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Quick Cassoulet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the pork and vegetables before simmering helps develop flavor.

- Simmering the dish allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a different flavor.

- Substitute cannellini beans or chickpeas for the great northern or navy beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Quick Cassoulet can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Quick Cassoulet in individual bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Quick Cassoulet pairs well with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. A side of crusty bread or a green salad complements the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 28g

Dietary Fiber: 7g

Sugars: 5g

Fats

Total Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 70%

Vitamin C: 20%

Calcium: 8%

Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Quick Cassoulet is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying dinner.

Summary

Quick Cassoulet is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and beans, this recipe is a nutritious option for a cozy night in. Enjoy this French-inspired dish with your favorite side for a complete and comforting dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Quick Cassoulet. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my childhood home. I was in the kitchen with my mother, watching her prepare dinner for the family. As she chopped vegetables and stirred pots on the stove, I asked her what she was making.

"Quick Cassoulet," she replied with a smile. "It's a traditional French dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight."

I was intrigued. I had always loved the rich flavors of French cuisine, but I had never attempted to make anything as complex as a cassoulet. My mother assured me that this recipe was quick and easy, perfect for a beginner like me.

As she walked me through the steps of preparing the dish, I watched intently, taking mental notes on each ingredient and technique. I could smell the savory aromas filling the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the meal to come.

After a short time, the cassoulet was ready. My mother served it piping hot, the steam rising from the dish as she placed it on the table. I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a cozy bistro in the heart of Paris. The flavors were rich and comforting, the perfect blend of meat, beans, and herbs.

From that moment on, Quick Cassoulet became a staple in our household. My mother made it frequently, and I always looked forward to helping her in the kitchen. As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own.

Over the years, I learned to make Quick Cassoulet from memory, never needing to refer to a cookbook or recipe card. It became a dish that I would prepare for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home.

As I grew older, I realized that my love for cooking and experimenting with recipes was a gift that had been passed down through generations. My grandmother, too, had been an avid cook, always willing to try new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

One day, as I was visiting my grandmother, I mentioned my love for Quick Cassoulet and how it had become a favorite in my own home. To my surprise, my grandmother smiled and told me that she, too, had a special recipe for Quick Cassoulet that she had learned many years ago.

She invited me into her kitchen, a cozy space filled with the warm smells of spices and herbs. She pulled out an old, tattered cookbook from a shelf and opened it to a page that was marked with a faded ribbon.

"This is the recipe that I learned from a dear friend when I was just a young girl," she said, her eyes sparkling with memories of days gone by. "It's a simple dish, but one that holds a special place in my heart."

As my grandmother walked me through the steps of her recipe, I felt a deep connection to her and to the generations of women who had come before us. I could see the love and care that she put into each ingredient, the years of practice and refinement that had gone into perfecting her version of Quick Cassoulet.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down at the table together, the steam rising from the casserole dish in front of us. I took a bite and was immediately transported back to my childhood, to days spent in the kitchen with my mother, learning the art of cooking from the women who had come before me.

As I savored each bite of my grandmother's Quick Cassoulet, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would cherish for years to come. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down through generations.

And as I sat at the table with my grandmother, sharing stories and laughter over a meal that had brought us together, I knew that this recipe would continue to hold a special place in my heart for many years to come.