When you think of Valentine’s Day plans, what comes to mind? Dinner at a fine dining restaurant and a night out dancing? Or maybe you want something a little cozier, like a home-cooked meal and a night spent in? If you prefer the latter, then we may have a treat for you. Kate Vaynshteyn of Babaganosh sends us this recipe for a simple yet robust cassoulet (ca-soo-lay, say it with us) featuring sausage and Randall Great Northern Beans. Gifts always mean more when made instead of bought, so make this holiday dinner one to remember.
What makes this dish fantastic isn’t just its rich flavors, but also the ease with which anyone can make it, from kitchen novice to expert. Needing only some basic sauteing and time in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for anyone to surprise that special someone with a home-cooked meal to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So go ahead, ditch the plans on the town, get cozy at home and make this holiday special.
Ingredients
- 1 small leek, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 large carrots, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
- 10 oz baby bella mushrooms, halved if large
- 1 28-oz jar diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups Randall Great Northern Beans
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/3 inch pieces (spicy Salami and/or Chorizo work great!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the diced leek, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes. Add the celery and sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Transfer the sauteed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Cook on low for 5 hours.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot with chopped parsley as garnish.
This white bean recipe can be made with either Randall Great Northern Beans or the Randall Organic Great Northern Beans.
