Vegetarian Cassoulet with Smoked Tofu Dumplings

Cassoulet:

Ingredients:

• 500g dried white beans
• 400g smoked tofu dumplings (see recipe below)
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans: Soak the white beans in cold water overnight. The next day, drain and rinse them.
2. Cook the beans: In a large pot, bring the beans to a boil in water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the cassoulet: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic in a little oil until golden.
4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, the pre-cooked beans, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and simmer on low for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom.

Smoked Tofu Dumplings:

Ingredients:

• 400g firm smoked tofu
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/4 cup oat flakes or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tofu mixture: In a large bowl, mash the tofu with a fork until smooth.
2. Add the ingredients: Add the onion, garlic, oat flakes or breadcrumbs, parsley, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Form the dumplings: Shape the tofu mixture into dumplings with your hands, rolling them gently to form uniform shapes.
4. Cook the dumplings: Wrap the dumplings in cooking film (plastic wrap) and poach them in hot water for about 10 minutes until firm.

Assembling the Cassoulet:

1. Layer in the pot: Place a layer of beans in a casserole dish.
2. Add the dumplings: Place a dumpling on top of the beans.
3. Cover with beans: Cover the dumplings with the remaining beans.
4. Gratinate: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top (optional) and bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to create a golden crust.

Conclusion:

This vegetarian cassoulet is a delicious and nutritious alternative for those who want to avoid meat but still enjoy this traditional dish. The smoked tofu dumplings provide a unique texture and flavor, offering a vegan or vegetarian option to the classic cassoulet.

Bon appétit!

If you'd like some drink pairings for this dish, you might consider:

• Dry White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc could provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the cassoulet.
• Light Red Wine: A Pinot Noir or Cinsault would pair nicely with the flavors of the smoked tofu and beans without overpowering the dish.
• Light Beer: A pale lager or a lightly hopped blonde beer would complement the dish well without being too strong.