National Cassoulet Day

National Cassoulet Day is celebrated annually on January 9. This food holiday honors a slow-cooked, hearty bean and meat dish that serves as a cornerstone of French comfort food. While the meal itself originated in the South of France, the official day was established to encourage people in the United States to explore the complex flavors and traditional techniques associated with this classic casserole.

History of National Cassoulet Day

National Cassoulet Day was founded in 2014 by Chef Philippe Bertineau and the team at Benoit Bistro, a French establishment in New York City. The creators wanted to bring attention to the labor-intensive cooking process and the cultural significance of the dish. By designating a specific day in January, they provided a reason for diners to visit French restaurants during the coldest part of the winter when hearty stews are most appreciated.

The dish itself has roots that trace back to 1355 in the town of Castelnaudary during the Hundred Years’ War. According to local legend, besieged townspeople pooled their remaining ingredients—including white beans, sausages, and various meats—into a large cauldron to feed and fortify their soldiers. The resulting meal was so substantial that it supposedly gave the defenders the strength to repel the English attackers. Since then, cassoulet has evolved from a peasant survival meal into a gourmet staple recognized by culinary academies worldwide.

Why is National Cassoulet Day important?

This holiday is important because it preserves a culinary tradition that requires patience and precision. Unlike many modern meals that are designed for speed, an authentic cassoulet can take several hours or even days to prepare. Celebrating this day encourages home cooks and professional chefs to slow down and focus on the “low and slow” method of cooking, which allows the beans to absorb the fats and juices of the meat. It serves as a reminder that the best flavors often come from simple ingredients handled with care.

The day also highlights the importance of regional identity in global cuisine. In France, three cities—Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, and Toulouse—each claim to produce the definitive version of the dish, using different combinations of duck confit, mutton, or pork. National Cassoulet Day brings this friendly rivalry to an international audience and promotes the use of high-quality, local ingredients. It fosters an appreciation for “soul food” that connects people to their history and community through a shared dining experience.

• It encourages the use of traditional slow-cooking techniques
• It celebrates the heritage of the Occitanie region of France
• It promotes the consumption of high-protein legumes and preserved meats
• It provides a winter milestone for the culinary community
• It highlights the historical resilience of common people during wartime

How to Celebrate National Cassoulet Day

One of the most authentic ways to celebrate is to visit a French bistro that specializes in regional southern cooking. Many restaurants in major cities offer special tasting menus or “Cassoulet Weeks” to coincide with the holiday. If dining out, look for a version that features a thick, crusty top, which is formed by breaking the surface of the stew multiple times during the baking process. Pairing the meal with a robust red wine from the Southwest of France, such as a Madiran or a Cahors, enhances the rich flavors of the beans and meat.

Preparing a cassoulet at home is a rewarding way to observe the day for those who enjoy a kitchen challenge. The process begins with soaking dry white haricot beans and sourcing quality proteins like Toulouse sausage and duck confit. For the best results, cook each meat component individually before layering them with the beans in a traditional earthenware pot called a cassole. This ensures that each ingredient retains its specific texture while contributing to the overall depth of the broth. Sharing the finished pot with a group of friends captures the communal spirit that has defined this dish for centuries.

• Order a traditional cassoulet at a local French restaurant
• Source authentic duck confit and garlic sausage from a butcher
• Soak white beans overnight to ensure a creamy texture
• Host a dinner party to share a large casserole with neighbors
• Research the different regional variations between Toulouse and Carcassonne

National Cassoulet Day Dates Table