Butter Me Up! Baked Butter Bean, Bacon and Thyme Cassoulet Recipe

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400°F Lightly grease an ovenproof gratin dish with a little olive oil.
2. Topping: Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and garlic together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Cassoulet: Fry the bacon pieces in a large frying pan until crisp. Take the bacon pieces out and add the chopped onions - fry them gently in the bacon fat until the onion is soft but not coloured. Add the fresh thyme leaves and mix through.
4. Add the bacon to the onion and thyme mixture and then gently mix the butter beans through the mixture.
5. In a large bowl, add the crème fraiche, tomato paste, wine and sugar - mix thoroughly. Season with pepper and a little salt, as the bacon is already quite salty.
6. Add the bacon and butter bean mixture to the crème fraiche and wine sauce - mix gently.
7. Transfer all the butter bean mixture to the greased gratin dish. Sprinkle the topping over evenly and place the sliced tomatoes on top in an attractive pattern.
8. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the cassoulet is bubbling and the topping is a golden brown.
9. Serve immediately with a large bowl of salad and crusty bread, or, as an accompaniment for sausages, roast meat and poultry, casseroles, stews or grilled meat.
10. Serves 3 people as a main meal and 6 people as an accompaniment.