Sandi Hillmer’s Wisconsin Cassoulet

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Servings: 12 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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Hearty Wisconsin-style bean stew with smoked meats and root vegetables
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This Wisconsin-style cassoulet is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines the earthy depth of navy beans with the smoky richness of bacon and kielbasa. Unlike traditional French versions, this hearty stew incorporates chicken and pork tenderloin for added protein and texture. The vegetables soften into a savory broth infused with thyme, savory, and maple syrup, creating a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor profile. It’s perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying, home-style dinner that reheats beautifully. Serve it hot with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Sandi Hillmer's Wisconsin Cassoulet recipe image
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Sandi Hillmer’s Wisconsin Cassoulet

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12 servings Calories: 650
Dietary:
V Vegan

Description

This Wisconsin-style cassoulet is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines the earthy depth of navy beans with the smoky richness of bacon and kielbasa. Unlike traditional French versions, this hearty stew incorporates chicken and pork tenderloin for added protein and texture. The vegetables soften into a savory broth infused with thyme, savory, and maple syrup, creating a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor profile. It&# 226;ÂÂs perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying, home-style dinner that reheats beautifully. Serve it hot with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Directions

  1. Soak the dried navy beans overnight in water to cover by 1 inch.
  2. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly in several changes of cold water.
  3. Place the rinsed beans in a large, heavy pot and add fresh water just to cover them.
  4. Add the celery tops, bay leaves, and parsley sprigs to the bean pot.
  5. Simmer the beans over medium heat for 30 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
  6. In a very large pot or Dutch oven, brown the cubed bacon over medium heat until the fat renders.
  7. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat.
  9. Brown the chicken pieces and pork tenderloin pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
  10. Remove the browned chicken and pork to a bowl and set aside.
  11. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot.
  12. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots over medium-low heat until wilted and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  13. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  14. Return the browned chicken, pork, and reserved bacon to the pot.
  15. Add the partially cooked beans and their liquid to the pot.
  16. Remove and discard the celery tops, bay leaves, and parsley sprigs from the bean mixture.
  17. Stir in the chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, maple syrup, brown sugar, thyme, savory, dry mustard, and pepper.
  18. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  19. Stir in the kielbasa sausage and continue to simmer for 30 minutes longer.
  20. Stir in 1/4 cup of the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
  21. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 650kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 1200mg50%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 12g48%
Sugars 15g
Protein 42g84%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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