Navy Bean-and-Artichoke Casserole with Goat Cheese

• 2 (1-ounce) slices whole-wheat bread 
• 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, undrained
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced and divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cups chopped leek (about 3 large)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke bottoms, drained and each cut into 8 wedges 
• Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
• 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

Place bread in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs form to measure 1 cup.

Preheat oven to 400°.

Drain beans in a colander over a bowl, reserving liquid. Add enough water to liquid to measure 1 cup. Combine beans, thyme, sage, pepper, and 1 garlic clove.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 garlic cloves, leek, rosemary, salt, and artichokes; sauté 4 minutes. Stir in bean liquid mixture. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Spread half of bean mixture in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, and top with half of goat cheese. Spread artichoke mixture over goat cheese; top with remaining bean mixture and remaining goat cheese. Combine the breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle over goat cheese. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serves 6 (1 c.); 349 calories.

VERDICT:  I was thinking of this as a main course, but it turned out to be more of a side dish--a little one-note to be a meal.  It's not bad, but for the amount of effort and expense (leeks and goat cheese!) involved, toss.