Potee Au Choux Recipe: Classic French Stew Made Easy

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, slow-cooked stew that fills your kitchen with rich aromas and warms you from the inside out. Potée au choux is a classic French dish that embodies this comfort perfectly.

Traditionally made with cabbage and various cuts of pork simmered to tender perfection, this rustic stew is a beloved staple in the French countryside, especially during colder months. Its layers of flavor develop over hours of gentle cooking, making it a wonderful dish to prepare in advance and savor with family and friends.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional French cuisine or simply looking for a nourishing, soul-warming meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. In this post, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to create an authentic potée au choux, share tips for achieving the best flavors, and offer serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Let’s dive into this timeless French classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Potée au choux is more than just a stew; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by slow cooking. Here’s why this recipe will quickly win a place in your weekly dinner rotation:

• Hearty and wholesome: The combination of cabbage, root vegetables, and pork creates a filling meal that satisfies both the body and soul.
• One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, making cleanup easy and freeing you up to relax or prepare other dishes.
• Flavorful and aromatic: Slow simmering allows the spices, herbs, and meat juices to meld perfectly, resulting in a rich, deep flavor.
• Flexible and adaptable: Feel free to substitute meats or add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for gatherings: This rustic French stew is great for family meals or dinner parties, offering a taste of traditional French countryside cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 8 oz (225g) smoked ham hock or smoked pork belly
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
• Optional: 1 leek, cleaned and sliced; 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – for slow cooking the stew
• Sharp chef’s knife – for chopping vegetables and meat
• Cutting board
• Ladle – for serving
• Wooden spoon – for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl – for prepping ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse the pork shoulder and smoked ham hock under cold water and pat dry. Core and cut the cabbage into wedges. Peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, onion, and any optional vegetables.
2. Sear the meats: Heat the vegetable oil or butter in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder pieces and ham hock, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to your stew.
3. Remove the meat: Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion halves and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add vegetables and herbs: Return the meat to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage wedges. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
5. Pour in broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over all the ingredients, ensuring everything is mostly submerged. You can add a little water if needed.
6. Simmer gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally, checking that the liquid does not evaporate too much. The meat should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.
7. Season to taste: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste the broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls, making sure to include a good mix of meat, cabbage, and potatoes in each serving.

Tips & Variations

“Potée au choux is a versatile dish. Feel free to swap pork shoulder for sausage or even chicken for a lighter version.

Adding a splash of white wine or a dollop of Dijon mustard before serving can elevate the flavors beautifully.”

• Meat alternatives: Use kielbasa or smoked sausages for a smoky twist.
• Vegetarian version: Replace meats with hearty mushrooms and add beans for protein. Check out our Vegan Hot Pot Recipe for inspiration.
• Make ahead: Like many stews, potée au choux tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded. Prepare a day ahead and gently reheat before serving.
• Use fresh herbs: Thyme and bay leaves are traditional, but rosemary or parsley can also work well.
• Potatoes: Waxier potatoes like Yukon Gold hold up well during the long cooking process.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Potée au choux is wonderfully flexible when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:

• Serve with a crusty baguette or rustic country bread to soak up the rich broth.
• Add a simple green salad for freshness; the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan pairs beautifully with the stew’s depth.
• For a light finish, accompany with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling.
• Try a side of steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables for added texture and color.

Conclusion

Potée au choux is a timeless dish that captures the essence of traditional French comfort food. Its simplicity, heartiness, and depth of flavor make it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

The slow-cooked combination of tender pork, cabbage, and root vegetables creates a satisfying dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice eager to explore classic recipes, this potée au choux recipe is approachable and rewarding. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

For more wholesome and comforting recipes, don’t miss our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food and Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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