Savory Pork Belly and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet
Indulge in a hearty and comforting dish with this Savory Pork Belly and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet. This rich, slow-cooked French classic features tender pork belly and flavorful smoked sausage simmered with beans and aromatic vegetables, creating a satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The gentle flavors of thyme, garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes come together beautifully in this richly textured dish, finished with a crusty top that adds an irresistible crunch. Share this delightful cassoulet with loved ones for a truly memorable meal.
8
Servings
480
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried white beans
1 lb (Soaked in cold water overnight, then drained)
Fresh pork belly
2.5 lbs (Cut into 1.5-inch cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper)
Kosher salt
2 tbsp (Divided)
Black pepper
1 tsp (Divided)
Smoked sausage
1 lb (Cut into 2-inch segments)
Onions
4 cups (Diced)
Celery
2 cups (Diced)
Carrots
2 cups (Diced)
Garlic cloves
8 (Minced)
Bay leaves
5 (Whole)
Red pepper flakes
1 tsp (Crushed)
Fresh thyme
1 tsp (Chopped)
White wine
1/2 cup (For deglazing)
Tomato paste
1 tbsp (For flavor)
Mustard
3 tbsp (For flavor)
Chicken broth
About 2 quarts (To cover the beans)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried white beans in a large pot with cold water, covering them by 6 inches. Let them soak overnight, then drain and set aside.
2
Season the pork belly cubes with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. In a large, preferably cast iron pot, heat over medium-high heat.
3
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
4
Once the pot is hot, sear the pork belly cubes in their rendered fat until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork belly from the pot and set aside.
5
In the same pot, add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme, along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
6
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly for about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and mustard, cooking until fully incorporated.
7
Return the seared pork belly and any juices collected to the pot. Add 1 quart of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 60-70 minutes until the pork belly is cooked through and slightly tender but not falling apart.
8
Stir in the soaked beans and add the remaining quart of chicken broth, ensuring the beans are covered by about 2 inches. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for about 3.5 hours, stirring occasionally and pushing the crust on top into the beans to ensure even cooking. Add more broth if necessary to keep the beans moist.
9
After 3.5 hours, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and cook for an additional 30 minutes until a rich brown crust forms on top. Push the crust to the center of the pot and cook for another 15 minutes until a new crust has formed.
10
Remove the cassoulet from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
35g
Carbs
28g
Protein
8.5g
Fiber
0.8g
Sugar
500mg
Sodium
140mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork Belly and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet?
It is a rich, slow-cooked French classic featuring tender pork belly, flavorful smoked sausage, white beans, and aromatic vegetables.
How many servings does this cassoulet recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
How should the dried white beans be prepared for this recipe?
The dried white beans should be soaked in cold water overnight and then drained before cooking.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the cassoulet?
The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of pot is recommended for cooking?
A large, preferably cast iron pot is recommended for this recipe.
How much pork belly is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of fresh pork belly, cut into 1.5-inch cubes.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 480 calories.
How is the pork belly prepared before cooking?
The pork belly cubes are seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper and then seared until lightly browned.
What kind of sausage is included in this dish?
One pound of smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch segments, is included.
What vegetables are used in the aromatic base?
The base consists of diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic.
What liquid is used to deglaze the pot?
1/2 cup of white wine is used to deglaze the pot after sauteing the vegetables.
How much chicken broth is required in total?
The recipe requires approximately 2 quarts of chicken broth.
How long does the pork belly simmer before the beans are added?
It should simmer for 60 to 70 minutes until slightly tender.
How long is the cassoulet baked at 250 degrees Fahrenheit?
It is baked uncovered for about 3.5 hours.
How is the crispy top crust achieved?
The oven temperature is increased to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 45 minutes of cooking.
What should you do with the crust while it is baking?
Occasionally push the crust that forms on top back into the beans to ensure even cooking.
How long should the cassoulet rest before serving?
It should rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 28g of protein.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 28g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, there are 8.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 500mg of sodium.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 8 minced garlic cloves.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with fresh chopped thyme and 5 whole bay leaves.
What seasonings provide heat in this recipe?
Red pepper flakes and black pepper provide a hint of heat.
How much mustard is used?
3 tablespoons of mustard are added for flavor.
How much tomato paste is included?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
What is the cholesterol level per serving?
There is 140mg of cholesterol per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 16 ingredients in total.
What is the recipe category?
The recipe is categorized under Pork.