This French Dish is Older Than France Itself ! Here’s Where to Try It

Did you know there’s a French dish that dates back over a thousand years, long before modern France existed? The Cassoulet, a hearty dish of slow-cooked beans, meat, and sausages, has its roots in the Languedoc region and has been a symbol of French comfort food for centuries.

Here's the lowdown on the fascinating history of cassoulet, and where you can taste an authentic version of this ancient dish today.

The Origins of Cassoulet

The Cassoulet originated in the medieval town of Castelnaudary, in southwestern France. Legend has it that during the Hundred Years' War, the people of Castelnaudary gathered what little food they had left - beans, meat, and sausages - and slow-cooked them together in a pot to feed their soldiers.

The dish was so hearty and satisfying that it became a staple of the region. The name "cassoulet" comes from the cassole, a traditional clay pot in which the dish is cooked.

Over time, the recipe evolved, but the spirit of this rustic, comforting dish has remained the same.

What Makes Cassoulet Special?

What makes cassoulet so special is the time and care that goes into its preparation. It’s not a dish that can be rushed, which is why it has become a symbol of traditional French cooking.

The ingredients are slow-cooked for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich, hearty dish great for cold winter days. The dish has layers of flavor that come from slow cooking the beans, duck confit, pork, and sausage together.

Each region in the Languedoc area has its own twist on the dish, but the most iconic version includes haricot beans, duck confit, Toulouse sausage, and pork shoulder.

The Great Cassoulet Debate

There’s a friendly rivalry between the towns of Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, and Toulouse over who makes the best cassoulet. Each town has its own version, with slight variations in ingredients.

In Carcassonne, for example, you might find partridge added to the mix, while Toulouse versions are famous for their sausages. Locals take their cassoulet seriously, and the debate over which version is the best has been going on for years!

Where to Try Authentic Cassoulet

Here are a few places where you can savor a cassoulet in its most authentic form:

1. Le Tirou, Castelnaudary

Considered the birthplace of cassoulet, Castelnaudary is home to Le Tirou, one of the best places to try the dish. The restaurant prides itself on using traditional methods and local ingredients to create a cassoulet that stays true to its roots.

2. La Maison du Cassoulet, Carcassonne

In the medieval city of Carcassonne, you’ll find the Maison du Cassoulet, a restaurant that serves up this hearty dish in a cozy, rustic setting. Their version includes local Toulouse sausage and crispy duck confit, cooked to perfection.

3. Chez Emile, Toulouse

Toulouse is famous for its sausages, and Chez Emile is a top spot for enjoying a cassoulet made with Toulouse sausage, duck confit, and beans that have been slow-cooked for hours. It’s a classic restaurant located in the heart of the city’s historic district.