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Greek Gigantes Beans (Gigantes Plaki)

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Greek Gigantes Beans is a traditional Mediterranean dish featuring large butter beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and olive oil. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect as a main or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) dried gigantes beans (or large lima beans)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Water or vegetable broth as needed

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried gigantes beans overnight in plenty of water.
  2. Drain and rinse the beans, then boil them in fresh water for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the bay leaf.
  7. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked beans with the tomato sauce and mix well. Add a little water or broth if the mixture is too thick.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, until the top is slightly caramelized and the beans are fully tender.
  9. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Gigantes beans can be substituted with large lima beans if unavailable.
  • This dish is great served warm or at room temperature.
  • Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek gigantes beans, vegan Greek recipe, baked beans, Mediterranean diet

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/greek-gigantes-beans-gigantes-plaki/