Question

How do you clean burnt on food off Le Creuset pans/casseroles? What's your favorite way to make cassoulet?

Answer 1

To clean burnt-on food off Le Creuset pans or casseroles, you can follow these steps:

1. Allow the pan to cool down completely before cleaning.
2. Fill the pan with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
3. Let it soak for a few minutes to loosen the burnt food.
4. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the surface gently. Avoid using metal scrubbers or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the enamel.
5. For stubborn stains or burnt-on food, you can create a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a while before scrubbing gently.
6. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water.
7. If there are any remaining stains, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and water or a mild kitchen cleaner. Apply it to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing again.
8. Dry the pan with a towel or allow it to air dry before storing.

As for making cassoulet, it's a classic French dish that typically consists of white beans, various meats like sausages, pork, and duck confit, along with aromatic vegetables and herbs. While there are many variations of cassoulet, here's a simplified version:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried white beans (such as Great Northern or cannellini), soaked overnight
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 sausages (such as Toulouse or garlic sausage), sliced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
3. In a large oven-safe Le Creuset casserole or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. Push the vegetables to the side and add the sliced sausages. Cook until browned.
6. Add the tomato paste to the center of the pan and cook for a minute, stirring it into the vegetables and sausages.
7. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the drained white beans, thyme, and bay leaves.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the casserole with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
9. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.
10. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs over the cassoulet during the last 15 minutes of baking for a crispy topping.
11. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Remember, cassoulet is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings based on your preferences. Serve it with crusty bread and enjoy!