Slow Cooker Pork Cassoulet
Try this Slow Cooker Pork Cassoulet recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Pork Cassoulet recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups diced carrots
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 6- quart or larger
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 cup italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 pound cassoulet beans or great northern beans (note thes
- 8 slices bacon sliced and cooked (you can use a touc
- 2 lbs. country pork ribs
- 1 (15-oz.) can italian diced tomatoes
- 1 cup white wine (i used duck pond pinot gris)
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried leaf thyme (not ground thyme)
- Carbohydrate 7.56159750001085 g
- Cholesterol 459.487713488867 mg
- Fat 94.6461257981628 g
- Fiber 1.07649999308586 g
- Protein 108.902279839654 g
- Saturated Fat 31.9690156994861 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (676g)
- Sodium 615.063798379127 mg
- Sugar 6.48509750692499 g
- Trans Fat 7.98609411187646 g
- Calories 1344 calories
Step-by-step
- Note before starting, that the beans need to be soaked overnight by covering with water, then draining off that water before starting the recipe. Or if you are short on time you can use the quick soak method.
- After cooking the bacon, brown the pork ribs in the same pan using some of the bacon grease, no need to cook the pork ribs through, just brown them.
- Add beans, cooked bacon, country ribs, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, wine, carrots, onion, garlic, pepper, thyme and bay leaves to the slow cooker, stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours.
- When the cooking time is done remove the ribs from the slow cooker, shred and add the meat back to the slow cooker and stir.
- Remove and discard bay leaves.
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- In a small bowl mix together the breadcrumbs and butter.
- Crumble this mixture over the beans and pork in the slow cooker.
- Add the slow cooker insert without the lid into the 400° oven for about 10 minutes or until the topping is browned. (be sure your slow cooker is rated for use in the oven, most of the newer Crock-Pot brand slow cookers are, up to 400°.)
- Serve and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Pork Cassoulet: A Weeknight Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a hearty, flavorful meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weekends often vanish in a whirlwind of errands and family time, leaving little opportunity for elaborate kitchen projects. That's why I've fallen head over heels for slow cooker recipes; they're my secret weapon against weeknight dinner dilemmas. This Slow Cooker Pork Cassoulet is a testament to the magic of "set it and forget it" cooking. It's incredibly rich, deeply satisfying, and remarkably simple to prepare.
The beauty of this dish lies not just in its ease of preparation, but also in its adaptability. I've tweaked this recipe countless times, experimenting with different beans, wines, and herbs, always ending up with a delicious, comforting result. One time, I even swapped the pork ribs for shredded chicken to make it a lighter option. The possibilities are truly endless! The initial preparation is minimal, involving a quick browning of the pork and assembling the ingredients in the slow cooker. The slow cooking process works its magic over several hours, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth pork, tender beans swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, and a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect textural contrast.
Beyond the Recipe: A Slow Cooker Love Story
My love affair with slow cookers began years ago when I was juggling a demanding career and the endless responsibilities of motherhood. The slow cooker became my culinary savior, allowing me to create delicious, wholesome meals without sacrificing precious time. It's more than just a kitchen appliance; it's a time-saving superhero, a culinary confidante, and a provider of countless heartwarming meals for my family.
This Cassoulet recipe is a perfect example of the slow cooker's versatility. It's perfect for a cozy weekend dinner, a special occasion, or simply a comforting weeknight meal after a long day at the office. It's the kind of food that nourishes not just the body, but also the soul.
Tips and Variations:
Bean Selection: I’ve used cassoulet beans in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other types of beans like great northern beans or cannellini beans. Just be sure to soak them overnight for best results.
Wine Choice: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio works wonderfully, but you can also use a dry rosé or even a light-bodied red.
Herb Alternatives: Rosemary or sage would also be delicious additions to this recipe.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat if you prefer a spicier dish.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, mushrooms, or leeks.
Leftovers: The leftover Cassoulet is even better the next day! It's perfect for lunch or a quick and easy dinner. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The slow cooker is a versatile and reliable kitchen companion, allowing for both ease of preparation and culinary artistry. This pork cassoulet is a hearty, flavorful dish that will delight your family and friends, becoming a firm favourite in your recipe repertoire. It showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed by the slow and steady magic of the slow cooker, creating a dish that is both comforting and unforgettable. Try it, and let me know what you think!
