The main difference between cassoulet and casserole is that cassoulet is a French stew made with meat and beans while the casserole is a type of dish that is cooked slowly in an oven.
Both words, cassoulet and casserole are types of dishes that got the name after the traditional cooking vessel, the casserole. However, these are two distinct types of dishes. A basic cassoulet contains meat like pork, duck, and goose and white beans while casseroles contain ingredients like beef, chicken, fish, and various vegetables, a starchy binder such as flour, potato or pasta and a crunchy or cheesy topping.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Cassoulet
– Definition, Features
2. What is Casserole
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Cassoulet and Casserole
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cassoulet, Casserole
What is Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a French stew you make with meat and beans. This is a slow-cooked dish and typically involves meat such as pork, duck, and goose and white beans. Cassoulet’s origin is South of France, particularly the town of Castelnaudary. People also associate it with the region of Languedoc. Cassolute was originally a simple farmhouse fare, but in modern cuisine, people have developed it into a complex dish. The cassoulet from the town of Castelnaudary basically include beans, fresh pork, ham plus tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and stock. There are other variations based on the town and region; for example, the cassoulet of Toulouse typically contains pork and mutton as the meat while cassoulet of Castelnaudary uses duck confit.
In France, there are grocery stores, supermarkets, and delicatessens that sell cassoulets in jars and cans. These have varying quality and prices. The cheap versions usually only contain beans, sausages, bacon, and tomato sauce. More expensive ones include ingredients like lamb, Toulouse sausages, goose, or duck confit.
What is a Casserole
A casserole is a type of stew that is cooked slowly in an oven. The word casserole actually refers to a large deep dish that we can use for baking as well as serving. Thus, people call the food that we make in a casserole also a casserole.
Casseroles usually contain ingredients like beef, chicken, fish, and various vegetables. They may also contain a starchy binder such as flour, potato or pasta and a crunchy or cheesy topping as well. Moreover, we usually cook casseroles in ovens, not stoves. And, they are generally cooked slowly, and in most cases, the dish is left uncovered. Cottage pie, gratin, lasagna, and moussaka are some examples of casseroles.
Difference Between Cassoulet and Casserole
Definition
Cassoulet is a French stew made with meat and beans while the casserole is a type of dish that is cooked slowly in an oven.
Cooking
Cassoulet is slow-simmered in a stove while the casserole is slow-cooked in an oven.
Ingredients
Moreover, a basic cassoulet contains meat like pork, duck, and goose and white beans while casseroles contain ingredients like beef, chicken, fish, and various vegetables, a starchy binder such as flour, potato or pasta and a crunchy or cheesy topping.
Conclusion
Cassoulet is a French stew made with meat and beans while the casserole is a type of dish that is cooked slowly in an oven. Moreover, a basic cassoulet contains meat like pork, duck, and goose and white beans while casseroles contain ingredients like beef, chicken, fish, and various vegetables, a starchy binder such as flour, potato or pasta and a crunchy or cheesy topping. Thus, this is the main difference between cassoulet and casserole.
Reference:
1. “Casserole, Cassolette, Cassoulet.” Bonjour Paris, 5 Oct. 2020, Available here.
2. Geragos, Teny. “What Is a Casserole?” The Daily Meal, The Daily Meal, 3 Feb. 2012, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cassoulet mit Gans und Bohnen 1” By Dr. Bernd Gross – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1620759” (CC0) via Pxhere
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