Recipe: Cassoulet

Cassoulet

A shortcut version of a classic French bean pot, this recipes uses only chicken products. Pork can be substituted for a more authentic version. This makes a large amount; great to serve for a diner party with a salad and Fench bread

1 pound (455g) white beans, uncooked, such as great northern or navy beans
1/2 pound (230g) turkey bacon slices
1 pound (455g) turkey kielbasa sausage
2 pounds (910g) chicken pieces, skin removed
2 cups (360g) onion, chopped
1 cup (150g) celery, chopped
1 cup (150g) carrots, coarsely chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp (6g) thyme
2 cups (480mL) chicken broth
1 cup (240mL) dry white wine
2 cups (230g) bread crumbs
2 Tbsp (30mL) olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped

Rinse beans and pick out any discolored beans. Place in a large pot with 6 cups (1.5L) of water. Cover. Bring beans to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to soak for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat a large Dutch oven. Cook turkey bacon until crisp. Transfer to a plate. Slice Kielbasa sausage into 1-inch (3cm) rounds and cook in the bacon drippings until browned. Transfer to dish with bacon.

Add chicken pieces to pot and brown on all sides. Add onion, celery carrots, garlic and thyme to pot. Stir and cook until the vegetables are tender. Return sausage and bacon to the Dutch oven.

Drain beans and add to the pot. Add chicken broth and canned tomatoes. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325F (165C).

Stir in wine. Transfer Cassoulet to the oven and cook, covered for 1 hour. Remove from oven, and carefully remove lid.

Spread bread crumbs over the top of the cassoulet and drizzle with olive oil. Return to oven, uncovered,and cook for 10 minutes until the bread crumbs are brown.

Yield: 12 servings