National Cassoulet Day

National Cassoulet Day is dedicated to the legendary French dish loved by many people from all over the world. Who can refuse a hot dish on a winter evening? Let’s start celebrating right now!

History

The origin of the dish goes back to the time of the Hundred Years War. There was a small French garrison in Carcassonne. There was almost no food, and the soldiers were on the verge of defeat—the British continued the siege. A girl from the town, in love with the commander, went from house to house and collected the remaining ingredients to help the soldiers. She simmered the food all night in a cauldron and ended up with a tasty and rich dish.

In the morning, she took it to the French and fed them. They gained strength and defeated the enemy—the British were surprised by such a fierce attack! White bean casserole with various ingredients really changed the course of the war. Today, there are many variations of the dish, chefs enter competitions for the best preparation, and National Cassoulet Day is widely in the United States.

Interesting facts

Curious moments about France:

• France is the leader in attendance—many tourists come here every year, and their numbers exceed the number of residents of the country;
• The French love good wine: more than 400 varieties are produced here;
• The unofficial symbol of the state is the Gallic rooster, representing enthusiasm and fighting spirit;
• The first public transport system appeared here. In 1660, carriages had five routes;
• Le Pont Neuf is the oldest Parisian bridge;
• The Louvre is the largest palace in the world;
• There are more than 30 roundabouts in the country, more than anywhere else on the planet.

How to celebrate

On National Cassoulet Day, feel free to go to a café where the dish is prepared and enjoy the taste! Try to cook it at home—invite friends to join in or create it yourself. Plan a trip to France and visit the most interesting places.

When is National Cassoulet Day in 2025?

National Cassoulet Day is observed on January 9 each year.

Observations