Cassoulet is an iconicFrench dish, originating in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France. The ultimate comfort food , it is made with white beans, pork, mutton or duck, and sausages, all slowly cooked in a terracotta dish calleda"cassole."
The history of cassoulet dates back several centuries. According to legend, it was created by French soldiers in the Middle Ages to feed themselves during the sieges of the Hundred Years' War. They used whatever they had on hand, namely white beans, pork, and sausage, and cooked them in terracotta pots, the famous cassoles.
Cassoulet has become a popular dish throughout France and is now considered a symbol of French cuisine. However, there are several recipes for cassoulet, each with its own ingredients and variations. The original recipe for Languedoc cassoulet is the best known and consists of white beans, pork, mutton or duck meat, and sausages.
The Toulouse cassoulet recipeis distinguished by the use of duck confit and Toulouse sausages, while the Castelnaudary cassoulet recipe stands out with its goose confit, pork knuckle or shoulder, sausage, and pork rind. Quite simply, these three cities have been competing for decades to establish the true recipe for cassoulet!
In any case, cassoulet remains a very energy-rich dish with rustic accents, which is best enjoyed when the mercury drops. One ofthe French people's favorite dishes, cassoulet is often served on special occasions or at family gatherings, but it is also very popular in French brasseries and restaurants in Paris!
So, if you're looking for comforting and generous cassoulets in Paris, here are some great places to go!
Benoit Paris, Alain Ducasse's Michelin-starred bistro at Les Halles
A landmark for bon vivants since 1912 in the 1st arrondissement, Alain Ducasse's Michelin-starred Benoit Paris restaurant plunges us into the Paris of yesteryear with delight. [Read more]
Au Pied de Cochon, gourmet cuisine at Les Halles day and night
Day or night, the brasserie Au Pied de Cochon delights Parisians and tourists alike with its traditional, generous French cuisine. A legendary address to try at least once in your life. [Read more]
Les Fabricants: the restaurant with comforting, generous and affordable dishes
Les Fabricants has become a neighborhood institution in Paris's 11th arrondissement. Here, you'll discover a casual spot offering ultra-comfortable, home-cooked dishes at excellent value for money. And don't let your eyes get too big for your stomach: the dishes are very hearty. [Read more]
L'Auberge Pyrénnées Cévennes, the authentic, gourmet Parisian bistro
L'Auberge Pyrénnées Cévennes is the old bistro in the 11th arrondissement of Paris that has been delighting diners with its traditional cuisine for over 100 years. Taken over by Pierre Négrevergne two years ago, this institution continues to delight lovers of generous French cuisine. Are you a fan of pâté en croûte, blanquette and cassoulet? Here's your address! [Read more]
Le P'tit Canon, the bistro of the 17th arrondissement
On the checkered tablecloths of P'tit Canon, the new restaurant in the 17th arrondissement, you'll savor generous, homemade bistro classics. [Read more]
D'Chez Eux, local cuisine in the heart of the 7th arrondissement
If, like Jacques Chirac, you love good food and appreciate traditional French cuisine, then head to the D'Chez Eux restaurant, just a stone's throw from the Invalides; you're in for a treat! [Read more]
Find the location of all these places by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
