Leek and Carrot Cassoulet

Ingredients

• 3 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only)
• 4 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1” pieces
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1” pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 2 parsley sprigs
• 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 (19-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 quart water
• 4 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs from a baguette
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Method

1. Halve leeks lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2“ pieces, then wash well and pat dry.
2. Cook leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic in oil with herb sprigs, bay leaf, cloves, salt and pepper in a large heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in beans, then water, and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
5. Toss bread crumbs with oil, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a bowl until well coated. Spread in a baking pan and toast in oven, stirring once halfway through, until crisp and golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Cool crumbs in pan, then return to bowl and stir in parsley.
7. Discard herb sprigs and bay leaf. Mash some of beans in pot with a potato masher or back of a spoon to thicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle with garlic crumbs.