Cook's Note: Although traditional tians are baked in heavy ceramic dishes, you will have good results using a more common baking dish as long as it is shallow and has 2 1/2 to 3 quart capacity, such as a 12" x 2" x 7" Pyrex dish.

Ingredients

• 3 medium-large sweet potatoes (preferably dark orange), peeled, quartered lengthwise, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 (14-ounce) can small white beans, rinsed in a strainer
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 2-inch chunks and sections separated
• 2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Generous seasoning freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Topping:

• 3 slices homemade-style white bread
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions