Quick Cassoulet I

Quick Cassoulet I Recipe - French Chicken and Sausage Stew

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Quick Cassoulet is a delicious and hearty French dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is a simplified version of the traditional cassoulet, making it easy to prepare in just a fraction of the time.

History

Cassoulet is a traditional French dish that originated in the southern region of France. It is a slow-cooked casserole made with white beans, various meats such as pork, sausage, and duck, and flavored with herbs and spices. The dish is named after the earthenware pot it is traditionally cooked in, called a "cassole."

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
0.5 lb (227 g) hot italian sausage, cut into 0.5 inch slices
3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 cup dry red wine [1]
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
0.25 tsp pepper
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can pork and beans in tomato sauce
chopped parsley

How to prepare

In a large stovetop casserole with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the chicken and remove it.
Brown the sausage.
Add the chicken, carrots, onion, and garlic, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
Drain off the fat.
Stir in the wine, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
Cover and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink.
Stir in the beans and heat through.
Sprinkle parsley on top.

Variations

Substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Use different types of sausage such as chorizo or andouille for a spicy kick.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken and sausage before adding the vegetables to develop rich flavors.

- Simmer the dish over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

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

Serving Suggestions

Quick Cassoulet pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meats before adding the vegetables helps to develop a deep flavor base.

- Simmering the dish over low heat allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cannellini beans or navy beans if you can't find Great Northern beans.

- Substitute the dry red wine with chicken or vegetable broth.

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 garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Quick Cassoulet with a glass of red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a Syrah.

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: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (sausage).

Summary

Quick Cassoulet is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Quick Cassoulet is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this French classic in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Quick Cassoulet. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was attending a cooking class at a local community center. The instructor, a kind older woman with a twinkle in her eye, had just finished demonstrating how to make a traditional French cassoulet. As she passed out copies of the recipe, she mentioned that she had a simpler, quicker version that she liked to make on busy weeknights. Intrigued, I eagerly took a copy of the recipe and tucked it away in my recipe binder.

Over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people – family members, friends, magazines, and cookbooks. Each recipe held a special memory or story behind it, and I cherished them all. But there was something about this Quick Cassoulet recipe that stood out to me. Perhaps it was the simplicity of the ingredients, or the ease of preparation. Whatever it was, I knew I had to try it out for myself.

The first time I made the Quick Cassoulet, I followed the recipe to a tee. I gathered all the ingredients – canned white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken sausage, and a handful of herbs and spices – and set to work in the kitchen. The aroma that filled my house as the cassoulet simmered on the stove was simply divine. And when I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

As I continued to make the Quick Cassoulet for family and friends, it became a staple in my cooking repertoire. The dish was hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy Sundays. And the best part was, it was so easy to throw together. I loved how versatile the recipe was – I could easily swap out the chicken sausage for pork, add in some vegetables, or even throw in a splash of wine for extra flavor.

As time went on, I started to put my own twist on the Quick Cassoulet recipe. I experimented with different types of beans, tried out new combinations of herbs and spices, and even added in some bacon for a smoky kick. Each variation was delicious in its own way, and I loved the freedom to be creative in the kitchen.

One day, as I was making a batch of Quick Cassoulet for a family gathering, my granddaughter wandered into the kitchen. She watched intently as I stirred the pot and ladled out steaming bowls of the savory stew. "What are you making, Grandma?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

I smiled at her and gestured towards the bubbling pot on the stove. "This, my dear, is Quick Cassoulet," I replied. "It's a recipe I learned many years ago, and it's become one of my favorites to make."

My granddaughter's face lit up with excitement. "Can I help you make it, Grandma?" she asked eagerly.

I nodded, delighted by her interest in cooking. Together, we chopped vegetables, browned the sausage, and assembled the cassoulet. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride watching my granddaughter savor each bite.

As the years passed, my granddaughter grew up and started her own family. She often called me for cooking advice or to share a new recipe she had discovered. And every so often, she would ask me for the Quick Cassoulet recipe – the same one I had learned all those years ago.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen preparing a pot of Quick Cassoulet for a family dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple recipe that has brought so much joy and connection to my life. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass down traditions from one generation to the next.

And as I take a taste of the warm, comforting stew, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of the moment I first laid eyes on it, and the journey it has taken me on ever since.