Complex Meals Made Easy: How to Make a Traditional French Cassoulet

Click here to make things easier on yourself. Keep reading to get the whole scoop on a truly easy French Cassoulet.

“You Don’t Have to Cook Fancy or Complicated Masterpieces — Just Good Food from Fresh Ingredients.”

Julia Child taught the world so much about French cuisine and cooking in general, including the value of simple, delicious recipes. The traditional French Cassoulet is both; salty, meaty, with the smoky flavors of cured meat, tender beans, and a rich stock, it’s French rustic perfection.

When it comes to cooking this classic dish at home, though…

You’ll start by gathering all of your ingredients: cannellini beans; Kosher salt; chicken stock (homemade or store-bought); salt pork or bacon; garlic pork sausage; chicken thighs; freshly ground black pepper; carrot, onion, and celery; garlic, parsley, bay leaves, and cloves. (You have to have your aromatics.)

Phew. Okay, now that you’ve assembled everything, you’ll cover your beans with water in a large bowl and let them sit at room temperature… overnight.

Didn’t you have two days to cook this culinary classic? Well, we’re afraid it doesn’t get much better from here — on day two, you’ll still need roughly six hours to get everything bubbling, boiling, and smelling amazing.

You can eat like the French do, but in a way that fits your schedule. And, perhaps best of all, you’ll still get to savor a meal that’s been slow-cooked to perfection but with way less effort. Here’s how:

“And Remember That a Soufflé Will Wait for You…”

Julia knew that while waiting can sometimes be the hardest part, it’s often worth it! And, when all the real work you have to do is fill your slow cooker with premium ingredients and be patient, then we call that a win.

Craft an easy French Cassoulet (or, as we call it, our Rustic French Stew) all before you leave in the morning — here’s how to do it in 7 easy steps:

1. Pull out your Slow Cooker.
2. Unpack the ingredients from your Rustic French Stew Slow Cooker Meal: a vegetable bag, and pouches of chicken and sausage.
3. First, open the chicken pouch and place chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. (If needed, run the chicken, sausage, or sauce pouches under cold water to loosen film prior to opening.)
4. Next, open your sausage pouch and add on top of your chicken.
5. Finally, remove your sauce pouches from your vegetable bag, and add those and your vegetables to your slow cooker, plus ½ cup of water.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Two days? Not here.
7. Finally, 8 wonderful-smelling hours later, stir and serve.

As Julia would say… “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.”

While we obviously love a great steak, we think that applies to this beautiful French dish, too.

Bon appétit!