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Gigantes Plaki (Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans) Recipe

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4 from 42 reviews

Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish featuring giant butter beans baked in a rich tomato sauce flavored with aromatic herbs and spices. This comforting, hearty recipe is perfect as a vegetarian main or side, and finished with creamy feta cheese and served alongside rustic bread, making it a wholesome and delicious Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Oils

  • Extra-virgin olive oil – 1/8 cup for sautéing + extra for finishing
  • 6 Tablespoons (3 fluid ounces) water
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

Beans

  • 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed (or the largest beans you can find)

Herbs & Spices

  • Kosher salt (about 1/2 teaspoon total, divided)
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 dried bay leaf

For Serving

  • Creamy feta cheese, crumbled
  • Rustic bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the beans later.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1/8 cup olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Season lightly with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook while stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and 6 tablespoons of water. Add another 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, cinnamon, and add the dried bay leaf. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  4. Incorporate the Beans and Cook: Fold in the drained and rinsed butter beans. Cook the mixture over high heat for 5 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and the sauce to start thickening. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Bake the Beans: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens further and the top develops a light golden brown crust.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully discard the bay leaf. Drizzle a little olive oil on top, sprinkle with extra fresh parsley, and scatter crumbled feta cheese over the dish. Serve immediately with slices of rustic bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Notes

  • Using an oven-safe skillet makes the transition from stovetop to oven easier and minimizes cleanup.
  • For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity slightly.
  • This dish can be made vegan by omitting the feta or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld fully.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

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