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Easy Gigantes Plaki Greek Baked Beans Recipe for Beginners to Impress

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A simple and hearty Greek baked beans dish featuring tender gigantes beans in a rich, tangy tomato sauce with fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners and beginner-friendly cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) dried gigantes beans (giant butter beans), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 diced carrots
  • 2 diced celery stalks
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or substitute with oregano)

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans: Soak 1 cup dried gigantes beans in plenty of water overnight (at least 8 hours) or use quick-soak method by boiling for 2 minutes then soaking for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Parboil the beans: Place soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water, add 1 bay leaf, and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Sauté the veggies: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add tomato elements: Stir in tomato puree and tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes to deepen flavors.
  6. Season the sauce: Add salt, black pepper, 1 bay leaf, broth, and red wine vinegar. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Combine beans and sauce: Transfer parboiled beans to a baking dish. Pour sauce over beans and stir gently to coat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and dill on top.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour. Check halfway through and add broth if dry. Remove foil in last 15 minutes to brown the top slightly.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight is best for tenderness; quick-soak works in a pinch. Parboiling prevents mushy beans. Add broth during baking if sauce dries out. Fresh herbs added at the end preserve brightness. Can use canned beans with reduced baking time (30 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: Gigantes Plaki, Greek baked beans, vegetarian, vegan, easy recipe, Mediterranean, comfort food, baked beans, healthy dinner

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-gigantes-plaki-greek-baked-beans-recipe-for-beginners-to-impress/