Main Ingredients:
- Chipolatas
- Streaky bacon
- Haricot and butter beans
- Tender stem broccoli
- Passata, sage and rosemary
This may not have been the most picturesque Jamie meal so far, but it definitely didn't disappoint in the taste department. I was quite keen to give cassoulet a go as I've eaten it many times on family holidays in France. Jamie does call it 'kinda cassoulet' as it doesn't include duck legs, but that omission aside, it tasted thoroughly authentic.
First four rashers of streaky bacon were chopped and fried up with sage leaves, rosemary and bay leaves, before 1 1/2 red onions and two leeks were chucked on top and a jar of passata and the two tins of beans were added to give it a casserole-ey consistency. The sausages were layered on top, before a tonne of herby breadcrumbs were sprinkled on top to give it a bit of crispiness.
This admittedly mushy looking concoction was served up with tender stem broccoli al dente, in a dressing of red onion, plum tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. It didn't look particularly filling with no potatoes, but the beans more than made up for that.
My only criticism was that this didn't benefit from being a 30-minute meal, and probably would have been tastier and heartier if the cassoulet had been stewed for half an hour, instead of the four minutes it had under the grill. With my distinct lack of flashy chef skills this took 50 minutes in total, so you may as well give it that extra 20 mins to make everything thicken up a bit more.
Also, if you wanted to make it for cheaper than the £2.82 a head this version cost, then fresh herbs could have been easily substituted for dried, although I must admit, the fresh sage really did ramp up the flavour.
Best for... Hearty winter fare after a long walk
Taken from... Jamie Oliver - 30 Minute Meals
Helen says... Nothing (away on business, boo!)
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