Tuscan White Beans in Tomato Sauce

Place beans in a large pot. Cover with water and stir in baking soda. Soak for 8 to 12 hours.

Rinse beans and return to the pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender yet firm to the bite, about 25 minutes. Drain beans, reserving the water, and set aside.

Heat the same pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Saute garlic and sage in the hot oil until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add drained beans. Stir and let the beans absorb the aroma of the garlic and sage. Add tomato sauce. Gently stir and simmer until the beans are soft but not mushy, 10 to 15 minutes. Use reserved cooking water to keep the sauce from burning, but the sauce should be thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.