Croatian Butter Bean & Tomato Stew with Crispy Polenta Croutons

Ingredients

• 0.75 cup canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 0.75 cup canned crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted preferred
• 0.25 cup polenta (cornmeal), dry
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth, divided
• 0.5 medium red onion, diced
• 3 whole garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 0.75 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, optional umami boost
• 0.5 tsp sea salt, to taste
• 0.25 tsp black pepper, to taste