White Bean Spread with Crostini

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (180 g) dried white beans
• water
• olive oil cooking spray
• 4 large shallots, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) crushed dried
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) crushed dried
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 ml) fennel seed
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 3 3/4 cups (900 ml) fat-free, no-salt-added canned chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) to 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• chopped flat-leaf parsley
  

Directions:

1. Put the beans in a large pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Drain the beans and set aside.
2. Lightly coat the bottom of the pot with cooking spray. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, over medium heat until shallots wilt, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rosemary, oregano, and fennel. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute more.
4. Add the beans and garlic, stir, and cook 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes, until beans are tender.
7. Remove from heat and let cool in the liquid.
8. When cool, transfer the beans, shallots, and garlic to the work bowl of a food processor or blender.
9. Puree to desired consistency, adding lemon juice as needed to thin.
10. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley. (May be made up to 1 day ahead.)
11. Offer Crostini alongside for spreading onto.