Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
This Southern version of the French classic comes together in a fraction of the time required to make the original because we use humble chicken thighs and country-style pork ribs. For easy sides, grab a loaf of crusty bread, and toss a tangy vinaigrette with fresh pear slices, toasted pecans, escarole, and frisée or a mix of your favorite winter greens.
How to Make It
Step 1
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper; cook half of chicken in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet; repeat with 1 Tbsp. oil and remaining chicken. Wipe skillet clean. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper, and sauté in remaining 2 Tbsp. hot olive oil in skillet, 3 minutes or until browned. Remove pork; wipe skillet clean.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 300°. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until crisp; drain bacon, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. Stir in chopped tomatoes, and cook 1 minute. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute.
Step 3
Add bacon, sausage, and reserved pork to tomato mixture; bring to a simmer. Stir in beans and next 5 ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken in a single layer, skin side up, in a large baking dish. Spoon bean mixture over chicken.
Step 4
Stir together melted butter and breadcrumbs, and sprinkle over cassoulet. Bake at 300° for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
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