Ingredients

  • 8 cloves garlic, peeled
  • Canola oil for greasing pan
  • 4 plum tomatoes, halved and seeded
  • 6 sage leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken or beef stock
  • 1 15 1/2-ounce can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 18 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup instant polenta

Method

  • To make the beans, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Fill a small saucepan with enough water to cover the garlic.
  • When water boils add garlic and cook one minute.
  • Drain and repeat this procedure three times -- it will eliminate the harshness and leave the flavor.
  • Mash the garlic with garlic press; set aside.
  • Lightly oil a roasting pan and place tomatoes in pan.
  • Roast 10 to 15 minutes, turning once, until juice is released and skins have puckered.
  • When tomatoes are ready, peel and add to pot large enough to hold all the ingredients for the beans.
  • Add the garlic, sage, stock and beans.
  • Simmer until mixture is thick and most of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Season with salt if desired and pepper.
  • To make the polenta meanwhile, boil water in small pot with the butter, milk and salt.
  • When water boils, reduce heat slightly and slowly whisk in polenta.
  • Reduce heat to very low and cook the polenta 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • To serve, spoon polenta into a shallow bowl or plate and spoon bean sauce over top.