Weekday Cassoulet

                                            

Weekday Cassoulet

A cassoulet formerly took days of preparation.  This recipe is quick to prepare resulting in a tasty dish.  Serves 4.

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons EVOO, divided

1 onion, chopped 

4 sweet Italian sausages, about 1 pound total 

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Two (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini or white northern beans (undrained)

1 cup water

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1 cup panko, coarse fresh bread crumbs, or cracker crumbs

1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Prick sausages all over with the tip of a knife. Add the sausages to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until brown all over, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.

Add onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add beans and their liquid, the water, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Slice sausages and return to the skillet. Stir in the vinegar and remove from heat.

Preheat broiler with rack in the top position. In a small bowl, stir panko, parsley, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season the bread crumbs with a little salt and pepper and scatter over beans and sausage. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil (watch carefully! Broilers vary like crazy) until the top is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.