(see also Tomato Basil Relish)
2 cn great northern or navy beans; drained, rinsed
1 c plum tomatoes; finely chopped
2 green onions; chopped
6 garlic cloves; minced
1-1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 c yellow cornmeal
salt; to taste
olive oil cooking spray
6 sl Italian bread
1 lg garlic clove; halved
Tomato-Basil-Relish; see recipe
In medium bowl, coarsely mash beans with ptato masher, or process in food processor, using pulse technique.
In large bowl, combine tomato, green onions, garlic, thyme, sage, cumin, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Add beans, mix thoroughly. Mix in enough cornmeal to make a firm but not dry mixture; season to taste with salt. Refrigerate mixture 1 to 2 hours for flavors to blend.
Preheat broiler. Form bean mixture into six patties. Spary large skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Cook patties until browned, about 5 minutes on each side.
Broil bread 6 inches from heat source 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until browned; rub both sides of gread with cut clove of garlic. Spoon Tomato-Basil-Relish on bread or on patties (depending on size of bread); top with bean patties and garnish with basil.