Thomas Keller's Slow Cooker Cassoulet
Beloved by generations of French cooks, cassoulet is a rustic, slow-cooked dish made with white beans and a lavish assortment of meats, from duck confit or foie gras to sausages and succulent cuts of pork, lamb, or poultry. This adaptation from Thomas Keller simplifies the dish for home cooks using a slow cooker. Be sure to use precooked Spanish-style chorizo sausage links, not fresh Mexican-style chorizo. Use a softer-style sausage, not a dry one.
Beloved by generations of French cooks, cassoulet is a rustic, slow-cooked dish made with white beans and a lavish assortment of meats, from duck confit or foie gras to sausages and succulent cuts of pork, lamb, or poultry. This adaptation from Thomas Keller simplifies the dish for home cooks using a slow cooker. Be sure to use precooked Spanish-style chorizo sausage links, not fresh Mexican-style chorizo. Use a softer-style sausage, not a dry one.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
- 1 cup panko
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 4 lb. boneless pork shoulder cut into 8 pieces and trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tbs. canola oil
- 4 oz. thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch stri
- 4 cups coarsely chopped yellow onions (about 3 medium on
- 2 cups dry white wine such as sauvignon blanc
- 1 can (35 oz.) peeled italian plum tomatoes, drained and br> coarsely chopped
- 12 cups cooked great northern beans or other small white&l br> beans, drained
- 6 lb. total each halved on the diagonal
- 1 garlic head halved crosswise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for ga
- 1 lb. baguette, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- coarse sea salt such as <i>sel gris</i>, for garnish
- Carbohydrate 22.2368599745755 g
- Cholesterol 391.02529135 mg
- Fat 93.4989299084004 g
- Fiber 1.60534290073486 g
- Protein 99.0235153722814 g
- Saturated Fat 29.4385029887616 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (982g)
- Sodium 602.0639853019 mg
- Sugar 20.6315170738407 g
- Trans Fat 8.89365713921721 g
- Calories 1363 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the pork generously with kosher salt and pepper; set aside.
- In the stovetop-safe insert of a slow cooker over medium-high heat, combine the canola oil and panko. Cook, stirring constantly, until the panko is toasted and golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the panko to a baking sheet and season with kosher salt and pepper.
- Add the bacon to the insert and cook until crisp on both sides, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Reserve the bacon fat in the insert.
- Add half of the pork to the insert and brown on all sides, 7 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a platter. Repeat with the remaining pork.
- Add the onions and 1 tsp. kosher salt to the insert and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened, about 7 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes and broth.
- Remove the insert from the heat and add the beans, pork, chorizo and garlic.
- Place the insert on the slow-cooker base, cover and cook on low until the pork pulls apart easily with a fork, 9 to 10 hours. Skim off the fat, and remove and discard the garlic.
- Fold in the panko and the 1/4 cup parsley. Adjust the seasonings with kosher salt and pepper.
- Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat the broiler.
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil. Arrange the slices, oiled side up, on top of the cassoulet, overlapping them. Broil until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Let the cassoulet stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle each serving with the reserved bacon, sea salt and parsley. Serves 8 to 10.
Thomas Keller's Slow Cooker Cassoulet: A Home Cook's Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weekends are often crammed with soccer games, errands, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. Yet, I crave delicious, comforting food – the kind that nourishes both body and soul. That’s where this slow-cooker cassoulet comes in. It's a revelation! This recipe, adapted from the culinary genius of Thomas Keller, transforms a seemingly complex French classic into a surprisingly manageable weeknight meal (or a glorious weekend centerpiece).
The beauty of this cassoulet lies not just in its rich, savory flavors, but also in its effortless preparation. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the robust pork shoulder to melt into tender perfection while the beans simmer to a creamy, comforting texture. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a quaint French village, even amidst the chaos of a busy modern life. Imagine the satisfaction of serving this impressive dish to your family, knowing that you created something both delicious and deeply satisfying, without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
This cassoulet isn't just a stew; it's a carefully orchestrated blend of textures and tastes. The heart of the dish is the succulent pork shoulder, which becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking. The addition of Spanish chorizo adds a delightful smoky depth, while the white beans provide a creamy counterpoint. The crispy panko topping adds a wonderful textural contrast, and the fresh parsley brightens the overall flavor profile. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients; their quality is what truly makes this recipe shine. Choosing good-quality ingredients elevates this dish to a level that surpasses expectations.
A Culinary Journey: From Slow Cooker to Oven
The process itself is a testament to the power of slow cooking. The initial browning of the pork in the slow cooker’s insert adds a crucial layer of flavor. Then, it’s all about letting the slow cooker work its magic. While the cassoulet simmers away, you can focus on other aspects of your day, whether it's tackling that mountain of paperwork, spending quality time with your children, or simply unwinding with a good book.
The final touch, broiling the baguette slices until golden brown, transforms this dish into something truly special. The crispy baguette adds another layer of texture and creates a beautiful presentation. This simple step makes all the difference, elevating the cassoulet from a comforting stew to a culinary masterpiece, befitting even the most discerning palate.
More Than Just a Meal: A Celebration of Flavor and Effortless Elegance
This slow-cooker cassoulet is more than just a recipe; it's a statement about efficient cooking and the art of savoring exceptional flavors without the usual time commitment. It’s about creating moments of joy and connection, sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, knowing that you’ve crafted something extraordinary without sacrificing your precious time. It’s a perfect example of how a busy schedule doesn't have to mean sacrificing delicious, fulfilling food. So, embrace the simplicity, the richness, and the sheer elegance of this recipe. You'll discover that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that seem effortless, freeing you up to enjoy the company of those you cherish, all while relishing a truly exceptional dish.
This recipe has become a staple in our home, a go-to dish that's always met with enthusiastic applause. It’s a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of modern life, there’s always room for delicious food and moments of culinary delight.
