Cassoulet | The French Chef Season 2 | Julia Child

duck confit

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: canned duck

Chicken thighs are leaner and more affordable.

pork sausage

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: beef sausage

Turkey sausage is lower in fat.

white beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are high in protein and cheaper.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: lean beef

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Lean beef offers a healthier fat profile.

Drop 2 pounds of white beans into a large kettle of rapidly boiling water.

Boil for exactly 2 minutes, then let sit in the water for exactly 1 hour to soak.

Drain the beans after soaking and set aside.

Blanch a piece of fresh unsmoked bacon (pork belly) by dropping it into a quart of cold water, bringing it to a boil, and boiling for 1 minute. Drain and repeat the blanching process.

Cut the blanched bacon into strips or small dice and add to the bean pot.

Add 1.5 cups of chopped onion to the pot with the beans.

Prepare an herb bouquet with 6 sprigs of parsley, 2 bay leaves, and 3-4 cloves of garlic, and add to the pot.

Add 0.5 teaspoon of thyme and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: