Complementing Rich, Hearty Cassoulet: 12 Sides That Elevate This French Classic

Cassoulet, the indulgent French bean stew brimming with sausage, duck confit, and other savory meats, is utterly satisfying on its own. Yet the right side dishes can take this peasant dish to new heights. Since cassoulet is heavy, you’ll want bright, fresh accompaniments to cut the richness. Let’s explore 12 sensational sides to serve with bean cassoulet.

Vibrant Green Sides to Contrast Cassoulet’s Heartiness

Cassoulet is all about slow-cooked meats and beans, so fresh greens make the perfect counterpoint.

Arugula Salad – Peppery arugula, tangy vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan create a lively contrast to cassoulet’s richness
Sauteed Spinach – Quick-cooked spinach with garlic, lemon, and olive oil is a foolproof option.
Green Beans – Blanch or roast fresh green beans for color and crunch
Broccoli Rabe – Sauteed broccoli rabe has pleasant bitterness that works well with cassoulet

Crunchy Veggies Add Texture

Cassoulet’s soft, stewed ingredients beg for some crunch. These crisp-tender veggies do the trick:

Roasted Carrots – Carrots charred in the oven play off cassoulet’s sweetness.
Glazed Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts pan-roasted with balsamic and honey add sweetness.
Sauteed Zucchini – Quick zucchini saute with garlic and herbs gives a fresh note.

Satisfying Starches Soak Up Sauce

Some hearty starches go wonderfully with cassoulet’s gravy-like juices:

Buttery Mashed Potatoes – Pillowy spuds for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Rustic Bread – Crusty baguettes or rolls for dipping and dunking.
Rice Pilaf – Simple rice pilaf ads fluffy, soothing grains.
Polenta – Fried or grilled polenta wedges pair perfectly with the stew.

Bright, Zesty Sides Cut the Fat

Rich meats call for acidic elements to cut through the fat. Try these lively additions:

Shaved Fennel Salad – Licorice notes of fennel with lemon and oil.
Tomato Salad – Cherry tomatoes, shallot, herbs, and red wine vinegar.
Citrus Wedges – Fresh orange or grapefruit slices.
Pickled Vegetables – Tart pickled cauliflower or carrots.

Complementary Proteins & Cheeses

While cassoulet contains plenty of meat, a little extra never hurts!

Seared Duck Breast – Quickly seared rare duck breast for an elegant touch.
Broiled Merguez Sausage – Spicy lamb merguez sausage grilled or broiled.
Garlic Shrimp – Bold garlic shrimp sprinkled over the stew.
Sharp Cheddar – Aged cheddar’s bite offsets the stew’s richness.

With sides ranging from bright salads to hearty starches and seared meats, you have myriad options for rounding out a meal featuring cassoulet. Play with contrasts in flavor, texture, and color. And don’t be afraid to push boundaries with unexpected combinations. From tried-and-true mashers to adventurous pickled vegetables, the right sides can make this French classic truly sing. What will you serve alongside your cassoulet?

what goes with bean cassoulet
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Cassoulet — Frenchy meat and bean stew

FAQ

What to serve with bean cassoulet?

You don’t need to serve anything else. Perhaps a light salad on the side. But the wine is most important.

What does authentic cassoulet contain?

Cassoulet, a hearty slow-simmered stew of sausage, confit (typically duck), pork, and white beans, is one of the great hallmarks of French country cuisine. The best versions are cooked for hours until the beans and meat meld into a dish of luxuriant, velvety richness.

What to serve with beans and franks?

The sweet, savory, and smoky combination of old-fashioned franks and beans appeals to kids of all ages! Paired with a skillet of cornbread, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, or a bowl of rice, this affordable, easy dinner always disappears fast.