Croutons with Tomato and Bean Sauce

Aromatic garlic croutons with bean and tomato sauce will be the best addition to your first courses.

Ingredients

• White beans, dried – 150 g (2/3 cup)
• Fresh tomatoes – 5 pcs.
• Extra virgin olive oil – 45 g (3 tablespoon. L.)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (canned in oil) (finely chopped) – 2 pcs.
• Garlic (peeled and minced) – 2 cloves
• Fresh rosemary (finely chopped) – 30 g (2 tablespoons)
• Ciabatta – 12 slices
• Large garlic (peeled) – 1 clove
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Basil leaves for serving

Directions

1. Put the beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water, leave the beans in the water overnight. Then the beans need to be drained, transferred to a saucepan, filled with fresh water, and put on high heat. Bring water to a boil and simmer over high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce heat, cover pan and cook beans for 50-60 minutes, until soft. Place the cooked beans in a colander, drain the water and transfer the beans to the same pot in which they were cooked, cover to keep the beans warm.
2. Meanwhile, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel and finely chop the pulp.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary, cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.
4. Put the tomato mixture in a saucepan with beans, salt, and pepper to taste, mix well, cover the saucepan with a lid.
5. Grate the ciabatta slices with a whole clove of garlic and then lightly brown in a toaster, roaster, or grill. Put the fried croutons on a dish and put the bean mixture on each slice of bread. Sprinkle the sandwiches with basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Enjoy your meal!