Tuscan Bean and Sausage Stew

1. Sauté the bacon in a medium pot until crisp and brown, about 10 minutes.
2. While the bacon cooks, purée one of the cans of beans in a blender. Rinse and drain the other can of beans; set aside.
3. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic to the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the green beans, basil, sausage, chicken broth, water, the puréed and whole cannellini beans, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
6. Stir in the spinach and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Serve in warm bowls with the garlic toasts.

For the garlic toasts:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
2. Stir together the olive oil, garlic, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Brush the garlic mixture evenly over the baguette slices.
3. Bake until toasts are golden brown, about 15 minutes.