Traditional Cassoulet de Castelnaudary

The cassoulet — a traditional 14th century dish from Castelnaudary, France — was originally made to feed the brave army defending the city under foreign attacks. Chef Jean-Michel Diot and Executive Chef Samuel Geffroy of Tapenade Bistro present this rich and comforting dish composed with an array of humble and flavorful ingredients slowly cooked. 

Traditional Cassoulet de Castelnaudary
Serves 6-8

3 c. dry great Northern beans or French Tarbais beans

1/2 c. duck fat or lard

4 duck legs confit cut in half (separated at the joint)

10 oz. pork butt cut into 3/4-inch cubes

10 oz. fresh pork belly cut into 8 thick slices

10 oz. lamb shoulder cut into 3/4-inch cubes

4 garlic sausages cut in half

1/2 c. carrot, diced

1/2 c. onion, diced

1/2 c. celery, diced

8 garlic cloves, chopped

2 t. tomato paste

2 t. butter

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 small bunch parsley

1 c. plain breadcrumbs

Salt and pepper

Rinse beans twice in cold water, and then cover with cold water. Let soak for 12 hours and then drain.

In a Dutch oven, warm duck fat or lard over medium heat.

Season pork butt, pork belly, lamb and garlic sausages with salt and pepper. Sauté meats until golden, then add the diced vegetables and garlic. Stir using a wooden spoon, then add tomato paste and enough cold water to cover 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Remove all meats and set aside. Use a ladle to remove excess fat from the stock. Set stock aside.

Warm the butter in the pot, then add beans and stock. Make sure the beans are covered by the liquid. Tie together the thyme, bay leaf and one parsley sprig and add to pot. Cook on low heat until tender.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Pour two-thirds of the beans into a Dutch oven or ovenproof pot. Add braised meats and duck confit. Spoon over this the remaining beans, adding just enough of the cooking liquid so the beans are almost submerged.

Spread breadcrumbs evenly over the meat and beans. Bake 90 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Chop remaining parsley and sprinkle it over the top. Add fresh ground pepper to taste. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Tapenade Bistro and Catering
7612 Fay Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-551-7500
tapenaderestaurant.com