Quick Cassoulet

From EatingWell: Fall 2003, November/December 1994, The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004) — Subscribe Now!

Inspired by the rustic--and time-consuming--French classic, our cassoulet, made with leftover turkey or chicken and canned beans, makes a simple, hearty supper.

READER'S COMMENT:

"This has become a staple cold weather recipe for me. I omit the bread crumbs (I usually don't have them on hand), and simmer on the stove for 20-30 min instead of using the oven.Very tasty! "

6 servings, 1 1/3 cups each

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs, (see Tip)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 pound turkey kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced
1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 15-1/2-ounce cans great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed
1 1/2 cups diced cooked turkey, or chicken
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake until crisp and light golden, stirring occasionally, 6 to 10 minutes; set aside.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, carrot and garlic; cook, stirring often, until just beginning to color, about 5 minutes. Add kielbasa and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, broth, wine, beans, turkey (or chicken), thyme, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer.
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top and transfer the pot to the oven. Bake until browned and bubbling, 25 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 2. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Tip: To make fresh breadcrumbs: Trim crusts from bread. Tear the bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice makes about 1/3 cup.

Nutrition

Per serving: 353 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 25 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrates; 24 g protein; 11 g fiber; 681 mg sodium; 754 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: 48% dv fiber, 754 mg potassium (38% dv), 143 mcg folate (36% dv), 30% dv vitamin a, 12 mg vitamin c (20% dv), 4 mg iron (20% dv), 169 mg calcium (15% dv).

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean protein