Quick Cassoulet

[b-man]

Quick Cassoulet

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

Start to finish: 1 hour 5 minutes
To make ahead: Prepare through Step 2. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.


Ingredients:

1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
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 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 15.5-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 1Ú2 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)


1. 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.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, carrots 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.

3. 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.

Makes 6 servings, 1 1\3 cups each.

Per serving: 353 calories; 5 g total fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 25 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrate; 27 g protein; 12 g fiber; 392 mg sodium.

Use a salt substitute to reduce sodium content.

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.

B-man