Smoky Maple Cassoulet

Smoky Maple Cassoulet: A Hearty and Flavorful French Stew
If you're looking for a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for cold weather, look no further than the Smoky Maple Cassoulet. This classic French stew is made with a variety of meats, beans, and vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and smoky sauce that's sweetened with maple syrup. The result is a dish that's both hearty and flavorful, with a complex mix of savory and sweet flavors that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.

To make this delicious dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound of boneless pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 pound of boneless beef chuck, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large Dutch oven or other oven-safe pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Next, add the pork and beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside with the sausage.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, maple syrup, and bay leaf to the pot and stir to combine.
Return the sausage, pork, and beef to the pot and stir to combine. Add the white beans and stir again. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
When the cassoulet is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The dish should be thick and hearty, with a rich and smoky flavor that's balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup. Serve the cassoulet with crusty bread and a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Type of dish: French stew
Main ingredients: Smoked sausage, pork shoulder, beef chuck