Spicy Tomato White Beans with Sage, Pecorino, and Garlicky Crostini

1. Soak and Salt the Beans

Begin by soaking the white beans in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of salt. Leave them to soak for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. This step isn't strictly necessary but helps the beans cook faster and more evenly later. Once soaked, rinse the beans under cold water and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Set your electric pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and thinly sliced red onion, along with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns golden brown and the onions become soft and fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds a deep flavor base for the beans.

3. Combine and Pressure Cook

Add the soaked beans, crushed tomatoes, chopped sage, bay leaf, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and a generous grind of black pepper to the pressure cooker. Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes if your beans were soaked, or 26 minutes if they were not.

4. Release Pressure and Season

After cooking, let the pressure cooker naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid, remove the bay leaf, and taste the beans. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

5. Prepare the Crostini

While the beans are cooking, toast the slices of crusty bread until golden. Immediately rub the warm crostini with the halved garlic cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt. This simple preparation adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the beans.

6. Serve the Dish

Ladle the spicy tomato white beans into serving bowls. Garnish generously with grated pecorino Romano cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and torn parsley leaves. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil for added richness. For those who desire, add a dollop of fresh ricotta or a couple of anchovy fillets for an extra layer of flavor. Serve the beans alongside the garlicky crostini, and enjoy the comforting combination of textures and tastes.