Warm, inviting, and hearty, cassoulet is a classic French comfort dish that brings an abundance of flavors to your table. With its rich blend of meats, beans, and herbs slowly cooked to perfection, this traditional French cassoulet recipe 2 is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or hosting a gathering with loved ones, this dish is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb pork shoulder, diced
– 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz pancetta, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot with the rendered pancetta fat, brown the diced pork shoulder and chicken thighs in batches until they are nicely seared. This step helps to develop the flavors and creates a rich base for the cassoulet.
4. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add a little olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until they are softened and fragrant.
5. Return the browned meat and cooked pancetta to the pot. Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, white wine, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the cassoulet bake for about 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meats to become tender.
7. After 2 hours, remove the lid from the pot and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the cassoulet. Return the pot to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy.
8. Once the cassoulet is done baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
This traditional French cassoulet recipe 2 embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort, with layers of savory flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its rustic charm and heartwarming aroma. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a cozy meal with this delicious cassoulet straight from the heart of French culinary tradition.
