WHITE BEAN AND TOMATO GRATIN

White Bean and Tomato Gratin image

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 cups water
1 1/2 pounds (about 3 1/2 cups) dried Great Northern beans, rinsed
4 fresh large thyme sprigs
2 bay leaves
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 141/2-ounce cans diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 cup thinly sliced drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs made from day-old French bread
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel

Steps:

Combine 12 cups water, beans, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Drain. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
Transfer beans to 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Add canned tomatoes with juices, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to blend. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix breadcrumbs, lemon peel, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon chopped thyme in small bowl. Sprinkle over beans. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon oil over. Bake until juices are bubbling around edges and breadcrumbs are golden, about 55 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.