Oh Yay! It's Cassoulet!

Cassoulet (kass-oo-lay) is a hearty stew originating from southwestern France.  It's name is derived from the pot it was actually cooked in, the cassole, a deep, round, earthenware pot with slanting sides. The cassoulet is typically meat heavy and contains white beans.  Traditionally a Cassoulet is made with pork as, that was the meat readily available to the French peasants. I made it with turkey sausage as that's what was readily available to this peasant!

Chicken Sausage Cassoulet

Ingredients:
     1/2 cup olive oil
     1/2 medium onion, chopped
     4-5 Italian chicken sausages (I used turkey)
     4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed, divided into two portions
     8 oz cherry tomatoes, diced
     2 15oz cans cannellini beans
     1/2 tsp kosher salt
     1/2 tsp black pepper
     2 cups chicken broth
     3 fresh sage leaves, minced
     1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
     3 Tbs fresh parsley, finely chopped










                                                                         DIRECTIONS:

1.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, Add onions       and stir to coat with oil.
2. Add sausage. Cook 10 minutes until sausage is cooked through,     stirring onions and turning sausage frequently to avoid burning.
3. Remove sausage only and set aside.  Add one portion of garlic,       followed by tomatoes, beans, salt, and pepper to onions. Mix    
    well.

4. Add broth. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
5. Once sausages have cooled slightly, slice into 1/4 inch pieces.         Return sausage to pan.
6. In a small bowl, combine sage, remainder of garlic, and
    Parmesan. Combine half of Parm mix with stew.
7. Divide into 4-5 bowls.  Top with remaining Parmesan mix and
    garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

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