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Vegetarian Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a stew typically made with beans and several kinds of meat, including sausage. In this version, however, extra vegetables stand in for the meat. The thick, herb-infused broth adds flavor, and fresh, crisp bread crumbs provide a little crunch in every bite.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4; 1 1/2 cups per serving

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided use
2 large carrots, chopped
2 medium ribs of celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 15.5-ounce cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided use
1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup Vegetable Broth (page 53) or commercial low-sodium vegetable broth
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup fresh whole-wheat bread crumbs (from lowest-sodium-available bread)
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the carrots, celery, and onion for 6 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently.

    Step 2

    Add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Set aside.

    Step 3

    Measure 1 cup beans into a medium bowl. Using a potato masher, mash until chunky. Stir the mashed beans, remaining whole beans, tomatoes with liquid, broth, thyme, pepper, and salt into the carrot mixture. Bring to a boil, still over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the cassoulet is thickened.

    Step 4

    Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

    Step 5

    In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and remaining 2 teaspoons oil until the crumbs are moist. Spread in a small metal baking pan.

    Step 6

    Bake the bread-crumb mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp, stirring once halfway through.

    Step 7

    Remove the cassoulet from the heat. Stir in the parsley and lemon juice.

    Step 8

    Just before serving, sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

  2. Nutrition information

    Step 9

    (Per serving)

    Step 10

    Calories: 304

    Step 11

    Total fat: 6.5g

    Step 12

    Saturated: 0.5g

    Step 13

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 14

    Polyunsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 15

    Monounsaturated: 4.0g

    Step 16

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 17

    Sodium: 324mg

    Step 18

    Carbohydrates: 48g

    Step 19

    Fiber: 13g

    Step 20

    Sugars: 11g

    Step 21

    Protein: 14g

    Step 22

    Calcium: 136mg

    Step 23

    Potassium: 962mg

  3. Dietary Exchanges

    Step 24

    2 starch

    Step 25

    3 vegetable

    Step 26

    1/2 very lean meat

    Step 27

    1 fat

American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition
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