Mary Berry makes Beef Cassoulet | How to make Cassoulet | French Cooking | 1977

beef chuck

🥗Healthier: lean beef

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Pork shoulder is often less expensive and still tender when slow-cooked.

white beans

🥗Healthier: canned beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Pinto beans are more affordable and can be used as a substitute.

smoked sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: regular sausage

Regular sausage may be cheaper and still add flavor.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pancetta

Pancetta can be a cost-effective alternative to bacon.

Soak 4 ounces of dried beans overnight with half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and cover with cold or warm water.

Drain the beans the next day.

Fry 1.5 pounds of shin of beef until golden brown and set aside.

Toss the browned meat in 1 ounce of flour and half a teaspoon of ginger powder.

Add a quarter teaspoon of pepper sauce to the meat.

Add a quarter pint of stock, 8 ounces of canned tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, and 2 ounces of brown sugar to the meat.

Add 1 bay leaf, 1 clove of garlic, and 4 ounces of chopped flat button mushrooms to the mixture.

Stir well and season with about a teaspoon of salt.

Add the drained beans and stir again.

Cover with a lid and cook at 325°F (gas mark 3) for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

In the last half hour, add rings of red pepper to the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens