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Gigantes Plaki – Greek-Style Baked White Beans Recipe

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3.8 from 72 reviews

Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish featuring large white beans baked in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect as a main course or side, enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it a versatile addition to any Mediterranean-inspired menu.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
  • 2 small carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼-½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Others

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste, heaping
  • 1 (15 oz) can finely diced or crushed tomatoes (or two cans for more sauce)
  • 2 (15 oz) cans large white beans like Lima or butter beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup broth/stock or water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the beans later in the recipe.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices: In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Sauté for 8-10 minutes while stirring often until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, drained white beans, broth or water, bay leaves, parsley, and dill. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
  4. Bake the Beans: Transfer the skillet or dutch oven to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens and beans become very tender. Alternatively, you may cover and continue cooking on the stovetop for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding splashes of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
  5. Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Remove the pan from heat or oven. Discard the bay leaves and taste the dish, adjusting salt and pepper as needed to your liking.
  6. Serve: Serve the Gigantes Plaki warm, at room temperature, or cold. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh dill, parsley, and optionally, a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Notes

  • This dish can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or cold, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics.
  • For a saucier dish, use two cans of tomatoes instead of one.
  • If cooking on the stovetop, keep the skillet covered with occasional stirring and add liquid as needed to prevent drying out.
  • Using fresh herbs like dill and parsley enhances the authentic Greek flavor.
  • Check beans’ tenderness near the end of cooking and adjust baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
  • Feta cheese garnish is optional but adds a delightful salty creaminess.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/gigantes-plaki-greek-style-baked-white-beans-recipe/