Savour the Soulful Flavours of Bean Cassoulet
The mere mention of a warm, hearty vegan casserole dish brings to mind memories of comfort food that united our families to unwind on a cozy winter evening wrapped in thick blankets. The word “cassoulet” always tickles my imagination and transports me to the rural French countryside, where cast iron pots were filled with savoury bubbling delicacies.
When it comes to your favourite winter fare, you may overlook the heartiness that plant-based dishes have to offer, but this satisfying vegan bean cassoulet recipe will certainly surpass your expectations. With beans, mushrooms, and roasted vegetables, this recipe is a perfect addition for those who have moved towards a plant-based diet or are entertaining their vegan friends.
I encourage you to try this delicious vegan cassoulet recipe as soon as possible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan bean cassoulet recipe is sure to warm your heart and soul. It’s loaded with protein-packed beans, fragrant garlic cloves, and a delicious vegetable broth that melds all the flavors together into a hearty meal.
But why will you love it, you may ask? Well, beyond its nutritious profile, this cassoulet recipe is versatile, easy to prepare and perfect for batch cooking.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner or crave something filling after your workout, this recipe is a great option. You can make it on the stove or use a slow cooker, depending on your preference. Plus, it freezes and reheats well too!
But wait — it gets better. This vegan bean cassoulet recipe is fully customizable! You can add roasted vegetables, mushrooms or even meatless sausages to take it to the next level. The possibilities are endless. Make it your own creation!
So if you’re looking for a vegan comfort food staple that’s not only delicious but also easy on your budget and time investment, this vegan bean cassoulet recipe is just what you need! Trust me; you won’t regret giving it a try.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this vegan cassoulet recipe:
- 1 cup of dry white beans (cannellini or great northern beans)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5 oz of white wine (optional)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Pepper and sea salt to taste
Note: You can also use flageolet beans if you want to make a French Cassoulet. In addition, veggie sausage is a great addition if you prefer a more hearty and protein-filled cassoulet.
For the roasted vegetables:
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 yellow onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– Olive oil (about 2 tbsp) + Sea salt and pepper to taste
To add some extra flavor and texture to your vegan cassoulet, we recommend adding some chopped parsley on top before serving!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s get started on making this amazing vegan cassoulet recipe. As with any recipe, it is important to first prep your ingredients before you start cooking.
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Begin by dicing one onion, one carrot, and one stalk of celery. Also, mince two cloves of garlic.
Step 2: Sautee the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and minced garlic and sauté for about five minutes or until they become fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Beans
Once your vegetables are ready, add in two cans of cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) and three cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add Flavors
Next, add in one bay leaf, and season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer for an Hour
Bring your pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for an hour. This will give all of your flavors time to meld together. Be sure to stir your cassoulet occasionally.
After an hour of simmering, remove the bay leaf from your vegan cassoulet recipe.
Step 6: Add Parsley as Garnish
Finally, top off this delicious dish with some freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Your vegan bean cassoulet recipe is now complete! This hearty stew is perfect for cool fall nights or for a cozy dinner indoors.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, some of my favorite moments happen when I deviate from an original recipe to create something unique. That’s why I want to share some substitutions and variations you can make to your vegan bean cassoulet recipe while keeping its delicious flavor intact.
First, let’s talk about beans. This vegan cassoulet recipe calls for cannellini beans, but you can use any other white bean variety like Great Northern or flageolet. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using kidney beans or even black beans; the texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will not disappoint.
Now let’s move on to the vegetables. The recipe calls for celery, carrot, and onion, but you can add in other roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You could even add some chard to give your cassoulet a little bit of a twist.
For a meaty texture, toss in some veggie sausage or swap out some of the white beans for mushrooms. You will have a hearty vegetarian cassoulet with a rich flavor perfect for satisfying your cravings on any cold day.
If you are someone who likes a little bit of heat in your food, you may add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Finally, if you want to make this dish extra special, try adding 1/2 cup of dry white wine while sautéing the veggies; it will give your dish a depth of flavor that is out of this world.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to making your vegan cassoulet unique and delicious; feel free to experiment and find what works for you!
Serving and Pairing
To serve and enjoy this delicious vegan bean cassoulet recipe, spoon it into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color. This hearty meal is perfect for cozy winter dinners, but also works well for lunch or brunch.
To complement its rich flavors, you can pair your cassoulet with a variety of sides. Crusty bread is always a classic option, as its crispy texture contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the beans. You may also want to try serving it alongside roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or squash. The savory flavors of the vegetables mingle well with the smoky aroma of the dish.
This dish is also an excellent choice to serve at a family gathering or potluck. Its filling nature ensures that guests will leave satisfied and full. Additionally, cassoulet pairs particularly well with a robust red wine such as Syrah or Côtes du Rhône. These wines add depth to the dish’s already complex flavors.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, apple cider or homemade lemonade are refreshing options that provide balance to this rich dish. Overall, this vegan bean cassoulet offers a hearty meal option that harmonizes well with a variety of pairings and refreshments.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
For those busy days when you don’t have much time to cook, this vegan bean cassoulet recipe is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
To make sure the dish maintains its flavor and texture after reheating, there are a few tips to follow. When reheating from thawed, make sure to heat the cassoulet slowly over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes.
If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time to serve later, use an air-tight container with a lid that seals properly. This will prevent any unwanted moisture or foreign odors from seeping into the cassoulet.
You can also divide the recipe into smaller portions if necessary. This is especially useful if you have a smaller family or if you want to batch-cook meals for the week. Simply portion out individual servings into separate containers before storing them in either the fridge or freezer.
Overall, this vegan bean cassoulet recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a hearty and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen every day. It’s easy to make ahead of time and stores well, so you can always have some on hand whenever you need it.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating a hearty vegan bean cassoulet is all about bringing out the flavors of each ingredient to make a wholesome, satisfying meal. Here are our top tips for ensuring your vegan bean cassoulet is an unforgettable dish full of taste, texture, and aroma.
1. Using a Slow Cooker
When it comes to preparing vegan cassoulet recipes, time is key. Consider making use of a slow cooker if you have one to allow the ingredients to cook slowly while preserving their natural flavors.
2. Soaking the Beans Overnight
If you choose dried beans over canned ones, soak them overnight before cooking them as they take longer to prepare. It will help soften the beans and allow them to absorb water, making cooking faster and easier.
3. Roasting Vegetables
One way to add depth of flavor to your vegan cassoulet recipe is by roasting the vegetables beforehand. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, intensifying their natural flavor and aroma.
4. Adding Vegan Sausage
For an extra protein boost and depth of flavor, consider adding vegan sausage or veggie crumbles into your cassoulet stew
5. Pairing with Wine
Pairing a glass of white wine with your bean cassoulet is perfect for cutting through its richness and enhancing its savory notes.
6. Garnishing with Parsley
Adding freshly chopped parsley will give your finished cassoulet recipe an added level of freshness that complements its rich taste perfectly.
By following these tips, you can create your own unique twist on this delicious dish that’s hard to resist!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegan Bean Cassoulet Recipe is not only healthy and nourishing but also flavorful and delicious. With its hearty white beans, sweet veggies, and just the right mix of spices, it’s a dish your whole family will love. Plus, it’s vegan and full of plant-based protein, so it’s perfect for those wanting to reduce their meat consumption.
The key to making this bean cassoulet really shine is in the ingredients. By using fresh vegetables and high-quality spices like bay leaf and pepper, you can really enhance the depth of flavor in this dish. Additionally, by following some of the tips we’ve provided, such as slow-cooking the beans and using a good-quality vegetable broth, you can achieve even better results.
With so many options for substitutions and variations, you can make this recipe your own. Add in some veggie sausage or switch up the veggies to suit your taste preferences. Whatever variation you choose, we’re confident that this vegan bean cassoulet recipe will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
So give it a try today! Get your ingredients together and start cooking up a storm – we promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s time to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cassoulet recipe while still maintaining a plant-based lifestyle. Bon appétit!
Vegan Bean Cassoulet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 large red potatoes, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon herbes de provence (there are a few great recipes on the Zaar)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained (aka white beans, Great Northern)
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 slices whole wheat bread
- 2 sprigs parsley
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F In a large skillet, sauté onion, carrot and potato in olive oil over medium-high heat 5 minutes. Add garlic, herbes de Provence, salt and pepper and sauté another minute.
- Combine vegetables with bay leaf, beans, tomatoes and vegetable broth in a large, lightly oiled casserole dish. Bake uncovered 20 minutes.
- To make the bread crumb topping - combine olive oil, bread, parsley and garlic in a food processor; puree on high until finely crumbled.
- Remove cassoulet from oven and take out bay leaf. Raise oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Sprinkle half the bread crumbs on top; bake another 15 minutes.
- Remove cassoulet from oven; stir bread crumb topping into beans. Top with remaining bread crumbs. Bake another 15 minutes or until topping is lightly browned. Serve immediately.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.