4 sweet Italian sausage links (about 10 ounces total) pricked all over with a fork
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium onions, halved and sliced thin lengthwise
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
11/2 teaspoons mixed chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme and/or sage or 3/4 teaspoon mixed dried herbs, crumbled
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup chopped scallion greens or fresh parsley leaves (wash and dry before chopping)
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes including juice
1 (19-ounce) can white beans such as cannellini, navy, or Great Northern, drained and rinsed

For topping:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 slices firm white sandwich bread, crusts discarded, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small garlic clove, chopped fine
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (wash and dry before chopping)