Fagiolata (fagioli con le cotiche)

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked beans and cook them in unsalted water with the bay leaf, about 1 hour, until tender.
2. Blanch the pork rind in boiling water for 5 minutes, then cut it into small strips.
3. In a casserole, fry the rind in olive oil for 5 minutes, then add the finely sliced onion, carrot and celery.
4. Add the garlic and chopped sage leaves, then let them scent the oil for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add half the drained beans and roughly mash them into the sauce.
7. Add the remaining beans with a little of their cooking water, then simmer for 15 minutes so the flavours blend.
8. Adjust the seasoning and serve with toasted bread rubbed with garlic.