All-Day Slow-Cooker Cassoulet

Ingredients for All-Day Slow-Cooker Cassoulet

• 450g dried large white beans, such as cannellini or baby limas

• 1 duck (about 1.8kg )

• 450g boneless leg of lamb, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

• 230g garlic sausage, cut into 2-inch lengths

• 230g smoked sausage, such as andouille, cut into 2-inch lengths

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 large celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• Pinch of ground cloves

• 120ml dry white wine

• 950ml beef or chicken broth, or a mixture

• 1 can (about 425g ) diced tomatoes, drained

• 70g dried breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

• 5–5.7L slow cooker

Put the beans in a medium bowl, cover with about 3 inches of water, and soak overnight. Or put the beans in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and soak for 1 hour. Then drain.

Meanwhile, cut the duck into 8 pieces: 2 breast halves, 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, and 2 wings. Trim off all visible fat and excess skin and set the fat and skin aside. Season the duck pieces and lamb with the salt and pepper and set aside.

Cook the duck fat and skin in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until between 1/4 and 80ml fat is in the pan, about 4 minutes. Remove the solid pieces of fat and skin and discard. Brown the duck in the hot fat on both sides, about 4 minutes per side, and set aside. Brown the lamb, about 4 minutes per side, and set aside. Brown the sausage pieces on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, and set aside.

Add the onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, and cloves and sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the beef broth and tomatoes, return to a boil, and remove from the heat.

Layer the beans and meats, in alternating layers (4 of beans, 3 of meat), starting and ending with the beans. Pour the liquid over all, cover the cooker, and cook until the beans are tender, 8 to 10 hours on low.

Preheat an oven to 177°C. Mix the breadcrumbs and parsley and scatter over the top of the cassoulet. Transfer the crock with the cassoulet to the oven and bake until the top is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.