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Gigantes Plaki (Greek Giant Beans) Recipe

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3.9 from 66 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish featuring giant butter beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. This comforting and hearty vegetarian recipe combines tender beans with a flavorful blend of garlic, onions, tomato paste, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon, all slow-baked to create a thick, savory sauce. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it’s garnished with fresh parsley or dill for an added burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large red onions, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (100 ml) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or dill to garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced red onions and chopped garlic cloves, cooking for 5-6 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.
  2. Preheat Oven: While the onions and garlic cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
  3. Add Flavorings and Beans: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, and ground cinnamon into the pan, mixing well to combine. Then add the drained and rinsed butter beans, crushed tomatoes, and water, stirring everything together evenly.
  4. Season and Transfer: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to incorporate all the flavors thoroughly. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer the bean mixture into an appropriate baking dish at this stage.
  5. Bake: Place the pan or baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The sauce should thicken nicely; if it appears too dry, add a little more water during baking to maintain moisture.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the Gigantes Plaki to cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill before serving to add a fresh herbal note.

Notes

  • You can soak and cook dried giant butter beans yourself if preferred; just adjust preparation time accordingly.
  • Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce before baking can deepen the flavor.
  • If you like a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the oregano and cinnamon.
  • This dish is excellent served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors intensify over time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/gigantes-plaki-greek-giant-beans-recipe/