Warm, rustic, and deeply satisfying, this Thyme Scented White Bean Cassoulet is the ultimate plant-based comfort food. Featuring tender cannellini or great northern beans simmered in a rich vegetable broth infused with aromatic thyme, garlic, and smoked paprika, this hearty dish captures the essence of classic French cuisine in a wholesome, vegetarian twist. Diced carrots, celery, and onion lend a delightful depth of flavor, while a golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast. Slow-cooked to creamy perfection and finished in the oven for a crisp, golden crust, this cassoulet is both nourishing and elegantβideal for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Best served warm and garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe brings timeless comfort to your table while being entirely meat-free.
Rinse and soak the dried white beans in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse them before cooking.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sautΓ© for 6β8 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1β2 minutes until aromatic.
Add the tomato paste and cook for another 1β2 minutes, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the soaked beans, dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5β2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Remove the bay leaf from the pot, taste for seasoning, and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Transfer the bean mixture into a large, oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20β25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let the cassoulet cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (if using) and serve warm.
Calories |
2042 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.6 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6529 mg | 284% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.4 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 57.7 g | 206% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.9 g | ||
| Protein | 77.1 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 747 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 7168 mg | 153% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.