My husband and I are pretty low spenders… except when it comes to eating dinner out. We don’t spend much on clothes, shoes, etc. but we use that money instead on fancy meals. I would much rather enjoy an awesome two hour dining experience with my favorite person than a fancy purse… but that’s just me. Anyways… we try to do monthly fancy dinners and these nicer restaurants have a lot of French influence. (we are working our way through this top 50 list and have been to about 30 of the restaurants- let me know if you need any recos!) A couple months ago we were served a chefs tasting menu that included a duck cassoulet. Since it’s the International Year of the Pulse I thought I’d make this meal strictly bean based to keep it vegan friendly. It’s a great meal to make for a dinner party since it’s a little fancier than your average meal… your new found French cooking skills are going to impress your guests for sure 😉
Ingredients:
1 TBSP olive oil or vegan butter spread
4 celery stalks
2 leeks
4 carrots
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp parsley
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
2½ cups vegetable stock
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp parsley
2 TBSP tomato paste
1 cup panko or breadcrumbs
2 15 oz cans cannelloni beans
Directions:
1.Heat oil in pan on stovetop
2.Add celery, leeks, carrots, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp parsley, 2 cloves garlic, and bay leaves and sauté 15-20 minutes until vegetables are softened
3.Add the broth as well as the remaining garlic, parsley, and thyme, and tomato paste
4.Simmer 15 minutes.
5.Pour into a baking dish, top with panko and bake for 15-20 minutes until panko is starting to brown
Do you like French cooking? What’s your splurge?
What a delicious vegan combo!!! If I could eat beans, I would be ALL over this!! YUM 😀
If you eat meat you could make it with beef, chicken, or duck/rabbit if you’re feeling adventurous!
This dish looks awesome! I completely agree with you – I love going out for a nice dinner and treating myself to something I wouldn’t normally make at home!
Thanks Sarah- yes I have seen that you also enjoy fancy dinners and fun restaurants with your man- if you were closer we could double 🙂
We are the same way with money – it allllll goes to food (and travel). I have like 1 purse and 20 pairs of leggings. LOL!
This looks fabulous – and makes me want to go to France again.
France is high up on my bucket list- I love the food so hopefully one day!
Amazing! I will definitely be making this in the near future! My husband and I love to spend our time and money on a good fancy meal rather than fancy clothes, cars, etc. too!
Thanks- I hope you enjoy it! Nice dinners out are such a nice way to enjoy your spouses company.
Great makeover! I tend to prefer vegetarian dishes over meat anyway!
Me too- beans all the way!
YUM! Brings back memories of our pre-baby#2 trip to Paris. We had Rabbit Cassoulet!! (: Think these veggies will be easier to find in the store.
I hope I get to travel to Paris one day- must eat all the delicious French food 🙂