Instructions
Preheat your oven to 140°C (120°C fan)/gas mark 1. Use a large ovenproof pan with a tight-fitting lid for best results. Place the pan over high heat and add the goose fat. Once hot, add the diced pork, cooking for a few minutes to seal and brown the edges beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure the meat cooks evenly and develops a rich golden crust. Reduce the heat to low, then toss in the sliced onion, whole garlic cloves, thinly sliced carrot, and fennel seeds. Cook gently, letting the vegetables soften and release their sweet aromas for a few minutes without browning. Pour in the red wine vinegar, scraping the pan's bottom to lift any delicious browned bits, also known as fond, which enhances the stew's depth of flavor. Add the vegetable stock, tomato purée, and half of the rosemary and parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil briefly, then let it simmer for 10 minutes to marry the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan with its lid and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 2 hours, removing the lid during the last hour to allow the sauce to thicken and concentrate beautifully. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the haricot beans gently to heat through and absorb the savory juices. Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and preheat your grill. Sprinkle the remaining rosemary and parsley over the top along with the breadcrumbs. Drizzle a little oil over the crumbs to encourage a golden, crunchy crust. Place under the grill for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully until the breadcrumbs turn a lovely golden brown. Serve your pork cassoulet hot, accompanied by crusty bread perfect for mopping up the flavorsome sauce, and steamed green vegetables like broccoli for a fresh contrast.