Paris, the city of love and culinary wonders. A place where exquisite food experiences await at every corner. On a special birthday trip to Paris, Mr. English treated me to a whirlwind of gastronomic delights. From savory razor clams to a delectable Salade Niçoise, and a Moroccan spiced tuna feast, every bite was a revelation. However, amidst the glamour, one humble pantry item caught my eye – a can of cassoulet.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you would know my passion for the cassoulets of Castelnaudary. With its rich flavors and tantalizing aroma, it has left me speechless on countless occasions. And there it was, a can of Castelnaudary cassoulet, beckoning me from the shelves of the Monoprix basement in the 6th arrondissement.
I couldn’t resist the temptation. I grabbed a few other pantry staples and headed home, eager to experience the magic of this canned delight. The label boasted of authentic Castelnaudary cassoulet made with your choice of pork, duck, or goose confit, all for an incredibly reasonable price.
Finally, the perfect time arrived for a Saturday lunch rendezvous with my canned cassoulet. I carefully heated it in a pot, adding roasted garlic and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves to enhance the already heavenly flavors. As the cassoulet simmered and bubbled, I couldn’t help but admire its creamy white beans, tender sausage, and succulent pork confit.
Once it reached perfection, I transferred the cassoulet to a baking dish, generously sprinkling it with breadcrumbs and a dash of parsley, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Into the oven it went, the anticipation building as the aroma wafted through the kitchen. Golden brown and crispy, the dish emerged, ready to be savored.
Accompanied by a simple salad and some torn bread, the cassoulet was presented at the table, straight from the can, with a few personal touches. It was a sight to behold. Having recently tasted a fancy London version, this humble canned cassoulet surpassed all expectations. The sausage was an explosion of garlicky goodness, the pork confit melted in the mouth, and the beans were creamy and bursting with flavors.
But what is it that makes French food, even when canned, so exceptional? Canned food is often associated with emergency situations and lacks the luster of freshly prepared meals. Yet, this cassoulet proved otherwise. It was a testament to the culinary artistry of the French, reaffirming why they even named a dance after it – the can-can.
This particular cassoulet was crafted by La Belle Chaurienne and is readily available at Monoprix. It stands as a testament to the fact that quality food need not always come from elaborate preparations. Sometimes, a humble can holds the key to culinary bliss.
So, the next time you find yourself in a Monoprix basement or come across a can of cassoulet, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Prepare to be amazed by the delightful flavors that can emerge from this humble packaging. It’s an experience that will transport you to the heart of France, even if just for a moment.
Image: Canned Cassoulet Spread
Image: Cassoulet Closeup