Cassoulet (bean and chicken stew)

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3ouncesSorted uncooked cannellini (white kidney) beans
2cupsWater, divided
1teaspoonEach vegetable oil and margarine, divided
12ouncesChicken thighs, skinned,boned, 2-inch pieces
3Whole cloves
1cupCarrot chunks (2-inch-thick pieces)
1cupThickly sliced Spanish onion
¼cupChopped Italian parsley, divided
2Garlic cloves, minced
2Pkt instant chicken broth and seasoning mix
⅛teaspoonEach marjoram leaves and sage leaves, crumbled
1dashPepper
1cupCanned Italian tomatoes, drained and chopped,
(reserve liquid)
1Bay leaf
4ounces\"precooked\" smoked beef sausage

Directions

In large bowl combine rinsed beans and 1 cup water; cover and let stand overnight.

In 9-inch nonstick skillet combine ½ teaspoon each oil and margarine and heat until bubbly; add chicken and saute until browned on all sides. Transfer to shallow 2-quart casserole and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350F. Press cloves into carrot slices (for easier removal later). In same skillet combine remaining oil abd margarine and heat over medium-high heat until bubbly; add carrots, onion, 2 tablespoons parsley and the garlic, broth mix, marjoram, sage and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion slices are translucent. Cover skillet and cook for 5 minutes longer. Transfer vegetables to the casserole containing the chicken; add beans with soaking liquid, tomatoes with reserved liquid, bay leaf and remaining 1 cup water and stir to combine. Cover casserole tightly and bake for 1 hour. Using sharp knife, cut slashes in sausage at ½-inch intervals; top mixture in casserole with sausage and bake, uncovered, until sausage is heated through, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard the cloves and bay leaf. Serve sprinkled with the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.

Makes 4 servings.

[WEIGHT WATCHERS NEW INTERNATIONAL COOKBOOK] Posted by Fred Peters.