What To Serve With Cassoulet
Though essentially a humble stew of beans and meat, cassoulet is as steeped in culture as it is in flavour and is the source of much drama and debate in France. As André Daguin, a famous Gascon chef, says, “Cassoulet is not really a recipe; it’s a way to argue among neighbouring villages of Gascony.”
There are three regional variations that each offer a unique twist on this classic dish. In Toulouse, it features duck confit, sometimes mutton shoulder, and of course, the essential Toulouse sausage! Castelnaudary, often considered the birthplace of cassoulet, favours a pork-heavy version with different cuts, including shoulder and belly. Meanwhile, Carcassonne introduces lamb into the mix, adding another layer of flavour complexity. All versions include white beans and a slow-cooking process that infuses the dish with rich flavours, and the best version of cassoulet is ultimately up to you to decide!
However, whether you’re a traditionalist favouring one style or someone who simply loves them all, the best accompaniments for cassoulet are consistent. Think crusty French bread for mopping up every last drop, refreshing salads for a crisp counterpoint, and robust wines that marry beautifully with the dish’s meaty flavours, all coming together for a delightful dining experience. After all, the magic of cassoulet lies not just in its ingredients but in the way it brings people together at the table.
The Best Accompaniments to Cassoulet
Side Dishes
1. Bread
A classic choice for soaking up the delicious sauce of the cassoulet is crusty French bread. Whether you prefer a baguette, boule, or rustic country loaf, the bread’s crunchy exterior and soft interior complement the stew wonderfully. Alternatively, focaccia drizzled in olive oil or buttery garlic flatbreads go well as rich accompaniments.
2. Simple Green Salad
A light, refreshing salad can be the ideal counterpoint to the rich and hearty cassoulet. Consider a salad with mixed greens, a few slices of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar. This adds a crisp and tangy element and balances the richness of the cassoulet. Consider some pickled cucumber or radishes for a little extra zest!
3. Garlic Sautéed Greens
A side dish of sautéed greens – like kale, spinach, or Swiss chard – cooked with garlic and olive oil adds a nutritious and slightly bitter flavour when paired with the stew’s rich meatiness, while the bright green colour contrasts beautifully with cassoulet’s earthy tones. Add a dash of lemon and parmesan shavings for a simple and refreshing side.
Serving Cassoulet at your next dinner party? Read our post on how to serve Cassoulet!
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts bring a sweet complement to the cassoulet. Using a drizzle of honey while roasting will caramelise the edges of the vegetables to enhance their sweetness and add a pleasing textural contrast to the broth of the cassoulet.
Wine
5. Classic Bordeaux
No French meal is complete without a suitable wine pairing. A robust red wine like a hearty Cahors or a classic Bordeaux have enough body and tannins to stand up to the cassoulet’s rich meats and beans. For some more inspiration, check out our post on the best wine pairing for cassoulet.
Desserts
6. Light Dessert
To finish the meal on a sweet note, consider a light and fruity dessert. A simple apple tart or raspberry sorbet are both tangy and sweet, and will balance the heaviness of the cassoulet. A lemon sorbet can provide a refreshing end to the meal and cleanse the palate, ready for some cheese or coffee to finish.
7. Cheese Plate
For those who want to keep the French theme going, a cheese plate with a selection of French cheeses such as a creamy Brie, a tangy Roquefort, and a nutty Comté makes an ideal final offering for those with some gaps still to fill in their stomachs. Serve with some nuts, dried fruits, and perhaps a drizzle of honey or fig jam for some added sophistication.
Bon Appétit!
Cassoulet is a rich and flavourful dish that embodies the essence of French comfort food and is perfect for sharing with family and friends. As an already balanced meal, when paired with the right sides, it becomes a memorable and delicious experience that will impress any dinner guest. Making a cassoulet from scratch is a labour of love, and takes a long time to prepare the beans and meats. If you’d rather focus on getting the perfect side dishes together to really wow your guests, try our 100% natural range of cassoulet, prepared for us by La Belle Chaurienne in Castelnaudary.