Toulouse Royale

The Toulouse Royale is a classic French dish that takes inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Southern France. This dish blends the robust flavors of duck confit, white beans, and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of tastes that reflect the heart of French cuisine. Toulouse, a city known for its vibrant culture and culinary prowess, provides the name and the base for this savory masterpiece. The recipe has been lovingly passed down through generations, each adding a unique touch to the traditional preparation.

Ingredients

• Duck Confit - 4 pieces
• White Beans - 2 cups
• Carrot - 1 large, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Onion - 1 large, chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, fresh
• Rosemary - 1 sprig
• Bay Leaf - 1
• Chicken Stock - 4 cups
• Bread Crumbs - 1 cup
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Beans

Begin by soaking the white beans overnight in cold water. The next day, drain and rinse them thoroughly. In a large pot, add the beans and cover them with water. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Creating the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the thyme, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Let the flavors meld for about 20 minutes.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large, oven-safe dish, combine the cooked beans and vegetable sauce. Nestle the pieces of duck confit into the mixture.

Step 5: Baking

Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the casserole. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.

Enjoying Your Toulouse Royale

The Toulouse Royale is best enjoyed hot, directly from the oven. Pair it with a robust red wine, such as a Bordeaux or a Rhone Valley red, to complement the dish's rich flavors. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the meal, providing a refreshing counterpoint. As a finishing note, this dish is a sumptuous centerpiece for a dinner party or a cozy meal with loved ones.

Pro Tip

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent the bread crumbs from burning.