Pork and White Bean Stew

• This is a terrific, easy dish to prepare.  Also know as Cassoulet it is a rustic French country recipe that will definitely get you raved reviews!  To get a jump start on a weeknight dinner, complete steps 1 to 7 of the recipe on Sunday and store, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then simply add the bread-crumb mixture and bake for 1 hour.
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• 2 pounds country-style spareribs (or pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch-thick slices)
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced, plus 1 whole clove
• 2 whole sprigs fresh thyme, plus 2 tablespoons thyme leaves
• 1 pound bacon (slab is best), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large stalk celery, chopped
• 1/2 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juice
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup coarse bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
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1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place the spareribs in a heavy pot with half the onion, half the minced garlic, and the thyme sprigs.

3. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

4. Remove the ribs; set aside.

5. In the same pot, over medium heat, brown the bacon.

6. Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of the fat and add the celery, carrot, salt, pepper, thyme leaves, and the remaining onion and garlic (minced and whole) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Add the broth, wine, tomatoes, bay leaves, and beans. Bring to a simmer, then add the cooked ribs.

8. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the olive oil, bread crumbs, and parsley.

9. Sprinkle the bread-crumb mixture over the stew and bake for 1 hour, uncovered, occasionally pressing the bread crumbs into the mixture to thicken it.

10. Let cool, serve and Enjoy!