How to Make Greek Gigantes: Baked Giant Beans in Tomato Sauce

Greek Gigantes is a comforting dish that features large butter beans slow-baked in tomato sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

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When you think of Greek comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a dish of Gigantes Plaki, or simply Gigantes: Buttery beans baked to perfection in a tomato sauce infused with garlic, olive oil, and oregano.

This vegetarian dish is a staple in Greek cuisine, often served with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy dinner at home or a hearty addition to any Mediterranean feast. Plus, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients to Make Baked Giant Beans

• 2 cups dried gigantes (butter beans, or lima beans) or canned giant beans
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for deeper flavor)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Procedure

• If using dried beans, soak them overnight and boil them until tender. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and aromatic.

• Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

• Place the beans into a baking dish, then pour the tomato sauce over them. Drizzle with more olive oil.

• Bake for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the beans are soft and the sauce is thickened, remove from the oven.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crumbled feta and warm crusty bread for a complete meal.

Gigantes Variation

For a creamy twist, top with crumbled feta or smoked Metsovone cheese before baking. It adds a layer of rich, smoky flavor that complements the beans perfectly.

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans

• If using dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly.

• Don’t skimp on the olive oil! It helps to create the rich, savory sauce that makes this dish so comforting.

• For an extra creamy twist, add crumbled feta cheese before baking. The feta melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a layer of tanginess.

Combining simple, and affordable ingredients, Greek Gigantes are the epitome of Mediterranean comfort food. You can savor them on their own or with a slice of bread and feta cheese… they will leave you coming back for seconds!

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Greek Gigantes Recipe