SLOW-COOKED TOMATO AND HERB WHITE BEANS

Slow-Cooked Tomato and Herb White Beans image

Provided by Susan Feniger

Yield Makes 6 (side dish) servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

For beans:
1 cup dried navy beans
6 cups water
1 medium carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium white onion, coarsely chopped
4 (3-inch) thyme sprigs
1 (3-inch) rosemary sprig
1 (3-inch) sage sprig
1 teaspoon kosher salt
For tomato sauce:
3 bacon slices, chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium white onion, chopped
1/4 cup minced garlic (from 1 to 2 heads)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound tomatoes, chopped (3 cups)
1/2 cup canned tomato purée
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped thyme

Steps:

Soak beans:
Soak beans overnight (8 to 12 hours) in water to cover by 2 inches or quick-soak (see cooks' note, below), then drain.
Cook beans:
Bring beans, water (6 cups), carrot, onion, and herb sprigs to a simmer in a 4-quart heavy pot, then simmer, partially covered, until beans are al dente, about 45 minutes. Add kosher salt, then continue to simmer until beans are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour more.
Make tomato sauce while beans simmer:
Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Add oil and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden, about 12 minutes. Add garlic, kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is softened, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato purée, and thyme and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
Finish beans:
Discard carrot and herb sprigs. Drain beans in a sieve set over a bowl, reserving cooking liquid, and return beans to pot. Add tomato sauce and 1 1/2 cups bean-cooking liquid and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 45 minutes.