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8-10
servingsEasy
By Tony Bilson
Published 1987
Pot au feu, like cassoulet, tends to lose its qualities when cooked in small quantities. If one remembers that in farmhouses the stoves or fires were kept alight 24 hours a day in order to take the chill from the winter air — but only at a low heat in order to conserve fuel — then the imagery helps to explain the cooking process.
Chop three of the leeks, cut the others in half lengthwise to be used as a garnish when the pot au feu is served. Heat the butter and soften the leeks, onions, carrots and garlic in a large pot over a low flame. Remove them with a slotted spoon. Turn up the flame and brown the brisket, rolling it in the hot butter. Remove it to a convenient place. Brown the veal shanks, ham hocks and duck in th