A Cassoulet is a dish that originated in Southern France. It is generally a rich, slow cooked casserole that contains meat and white beans. Cassoulet is the name for the dish it is cooked in. So basically, a Cassoulet is a fancy French casserole!
Algerian food focuses on meat, olives, vegetables and herbs.
The French invaded Algeria in the early 1800's. The Algerians did not gain their independence until 1962, making it the longest held overseas territory for France. Because of this, Algerian food has a lot of French influence.
The dish was simple to put together, and relatively quick - 20 minutes on the stove, then 30 minutes in the oven. You don't have to constantly stir - so it would be a great dish to make on a busy day. Since the beans and tomatoes are canned, you really only have to cut up onions and sausage - so maybe 5 minutes of prep time.
I was worried that it would be bland. Really the only spices involved are bay leaves and a little bit of salt. Thankfully I was very wrong!
The flavor from the spicy sausage permeates the onions and beans. The flavor is rich and hearty, and not overwhelmingly spicy. I used a Hot Italian Sausage, although I wrestled with using an Andouille. I think either would have been delicious. Because of the transfer of flavor from the sausage to the rest of the dish, I don't think it would taste as good if a hot sausage wasn't used.
Also, I am fortunate enough to has a La Crueset cassoulet pan, so I did not transfer to a baking dish. If you have an oven safe frying pan, you can bake it right in the same pan!
I served this with Israeli CousCous and Sautéed Asparagus.
ALGERIAN CASSOULET
1 Pound Hot Sausage, Cut into Thick Slices
2 Large Onions, Coarsely Chopped
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
1 to 2 Cups Cooked Chicken (Leftover or Canned)
2 Cans Great Northern Beans, Drained
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
2 Whole Bay Leaves
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Brown sausage, onions and garlic in a frying pan for about 20 minutes. Pout into a greased 9 inch casserole or baking dish. Add remaining ingredients - mix well. Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
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