Name: White Bean Purée with Garlic Vinaigrette and Croutes
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 9 3/4 hr
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 pound dried small white beans such as navy or pea; 1 fresh thyme sprig; 2 slices firm white sandwich bread, crusts removed; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Accompaniment: toasted baguette slices (croûtes); a food mill fitted with large-holed disk

Image may contain Food Bread Toast French Toast Confectionery and Sweets

White Bean Purée with Garlic Vinaigrette and CroutesJames Merrell

Cooks' notes:

·Beans can soak up to 1 day.
·Purée may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, its surface covered with plastic wrap. Bring to room temperature, then reheat over low heat, stirring. Add water if necessary for a spreadable consistency and reseason with salt and pepper.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki

Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.