Save A comforting French rustic casserole featuring tender white beans, smoky ham, and a savory blend of herbs, slow-cooked for rich, hearty flavor. This traditional dish brings the warmth of provincial cooking to your table with its deep, smoky layers and satisfying textures.
Save This cassoulet is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort meal. By gently simmering the beans with a variety of cured and smoked meats, every bite becomes infused with a savory richness that is hard to beat during cooler months.
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) smoked ham, diced
- 200 g (7 oz) pork sausage, thickly sliced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) bacon or pancetta, diced
- 500 g (1 lb) dried white beans (e.g., cannellini or Great Northern), soaked overnight and drained
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1.2 L (5 cups) chicken stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (60 g) fresh breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Step 2
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy casserole, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon or pancetta and cook until golden and crisp.
- Step 3
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
- Step 4
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 5
- Add diced ham and sausage; cook until lightly browned.
- Step 6
- Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and drained tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 7
- Add soaked, drained beans, chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 8
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and transfer to the oven.
- Step 9
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until beans are tender and the mixture is thick.
- Step 10
- (Optional) In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and bake uncovered for a crispy crust.
- Step 11
- Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Step 12
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even richer flavor, you can substitute the diced ham with a ham bone or pieces of pork shoulder. Using a heavy Dutch oven is essential for maintaining consistent heat throughout the long baking process, ensuring the beans reach a perfectly tender consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To create a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the meats and use extra smoked paprika to maintain that signature depth. If you are following a gluten-free diet, ensure you select certified gluten-free sausages and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping entirely.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this rustic cassoulet with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. It pairs beautifully with a robust French red wine, such as a Cahors or Côtes du Rhône. Since the flavors meld and improve over time, this is an excellent dish to prepare a day in advance.
Save Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this Ham and White Bean Cassoulet is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that provides both nutrition and comfort in every spoonful.
Common Questions
- → What type of beans are best for this dish?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans work well due to their creamy texture after slow cooking.
- → Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors deepen if allowed to rest overnight before baking.
- → How can I achieve a crispy topping?
Adding fresh breadcrumbs in the last 15 minutes of baking creates a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Using gluten-free sausage and omitting breadcrumbs or using gluten-free alternatives ensures the dish stays gluten-free.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?
Fresh thyme and bay leaf add aromatic depth, while parsley used as a garnish brightens the finish.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Omit the meats and increase smoked paprika for a smoky flavor to create a vegetarian version.