MEXICAN WHITE BEAN & ROASTED TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Lightly oil a 10-inch square oven-proof pan and put in the onion, 1/2 tsp oil and 1/2 tsp vinegar.
• Arrange the tomatoes, cut side up, on a 9x13-inch lightly oiled baking sheet, rub tomatoes with the remaining oil and salt well (or eliminate the salt to your liking).
• Heat oven to 475°F and bake the onions for about 40 minutes and the tomatoes for about 1 hour.
• Switch positions of the pans halfway through the baking.
• Pour beans and their liquid into a saucepan add thyme, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 3-4 minutes, stir.
• Strain the beans over a bowl and reserve the liquid.
• Place beans in a serving bowl and tap all the herbs from the strainer onto the beans.
• Chop 8 tomato halves and stir into the beans along with the fresh basil and onions.
• Moisten with a bit of the reserved bean water if you wish, season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Arrange the remaining tomato halves around the edge of the salad in the serving bowl.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad and then serve.