Hairy Bikers Cassoulet Recipe
Craving that hearty, cozy Hairy Bikers cassoulet recipe? This French classic warms you up with beans sausage and slow-cooked magic.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 pork sausages good quality
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery sticks chopped
- 400 g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 x 400g cans haricot beans drained
- 400 ml chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 50 g butter melted
Instructions
Brown the Meats
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in frying pan. Fry sausages until golden all over. Takes about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Keep that flavor!
Cook the Veggies
- Add remaining oil to pan. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 8 minutes until soft. Stir often. Add tomato purée. Cook 2 more minutes. Veggies build the base taste.
Mix the Base
- Tip veggies into casserole dish. Add tomatoes, beans, stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Nestle sausages and bacon on top. Ready for oven magic.
Slow Bake
- Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Cover dish with lid or foil. Bake 1.5 hours. Meats tenderize. Flavors blend deep. Check liquid level. Add splash of stock if needed.
Add Crunchy Top
- Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, and melted butter. Sprinkle over cassoulet. Bake uncovered 30 minutes more. Top turns golden and crisp. Bubbles around edges. Perfect finish!
Notes
- Use duck legs instead of sausages for authentic French twist.
- Add smoked paprika for smoky depth.
- Vegetarian? Swap meats for mushrooms and veggie sausages.
- Prep ahead—assemble day before for better flavor.
- Don't skip overnight soak for dried beans if using.
- Crusty bread on side soaks up juices perfectly.
- Double herbs for extra aroma.