Mary Berry Sausage Cassoulet
Mary Berry’s Sausage Cassoulet is a simplified version of the traditional French cassoulet, which typically features a variety of meats, beans, and herbs. This version uses sausages as the main protein, combined with white beans and a flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a comforting and satisfying meal with a golden, crispy top.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- Sausages (8, good-quality beef or your favorite type)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 400g canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 200ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional: breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe casserole dish over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the dish and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same casserole dish, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and tomato purée. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors. Then, add the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaf, and rinsed white beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Return the Sausages to the Dish
Place the browned sausages back into the casserole dish, nestling them into the bean and vegetable mixture. Ensure the sausages are partially submerged in the sauce so they can absorb all the flavors as they bake.
Step 5: Bake the Cassoulet
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. If you’d like a crispy topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the cassoulet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes on the side.