A Greek classic and my personal favorite.
If you’ve traveled through Greece, chances are you’ve tried this delicious dish. But if you’ve never experienced the magic of Gigantes Plaki, you’re in for a treat!
Greek food is AMAZING, it’s simple, fresh and so flavorful. It’s very difficult to have bad food in Greece, or maybe I was just lucky, but every dish I had was incredible. Gigantes Plaki is one meal I had often, because it’s naturally vegan and scrumptious. So, what’s special about this traditional dish? Nothing. Gigantes Plaki combines giant beans with a garlicky tomato sauce; that’s it. Sounds boring? Trust me, it’s not. The secret to this incredible recipe is baking the beans for a long time. The sauce will thicken and develop a beautiful depth of flavor. The result is a comforting, rich, fragrant, truly satisfying meal you are going to be making on repeat. Because this super easy, yet wholesome and delicious dish will quickly become a family favorite.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:
Wholesome Ingredients: Olive oil, onion, garlic, butter beans and tomatoes form the backbone of this dish. It’s simple, nutritious and delicious. Also, you might already have everything you need to make this recipe in your kitchen.
Mediterranean Goodness: The combination of tender white beans with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce that’s slow-simmered to perfection delivers a healthy and hearty meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Effortless Comfort Food: It’s a breeze to prepare but feels like a warm hug in every bite. Yes, it takes a bit of time to cook, but the oven does most of the work. Also, most recipes cook the beans from scratch, I like saving some time and buying jarred beans. Canned beans work too.
Family-Friendly: This naturally nourishing vegan meal is loved by plant-based enthusiasts and non-vegans alike.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple components, opt for the best olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and creamy butter beans you can find. Bland tomatoes will result in a bland dish.
Serving Suggestions: Serve it with a big slice of sourdough bread and fresh herbs. You could also top it with chopped black olives and vegan (or not) feta cheese.
Make It Ahead: Gigantes Plaki tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
WHY GIGANTES PLAKI DESERVES A SPOT ON YOUR TABLE
This dish isn’t just a testament to the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine; it’s also a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Serve it as a main course, a hearty appetizer, or a satisfying side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, Gigantes Plaki delivers every time.
This nourishing meal is loaded with plant-based protein and fiber. So, grab your ingredients, channel those sunny Greek vibes, and enjoy this simple yet unforgettable recipe. And let us know how it turns out— so, leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram @mondaydreams blog. We love hearing from you!
Gigantes Plaki a.k.a Giant Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes, use fresh, ripe tomatoes
- ½ cup water
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp coconut sugar, or brown sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- Big pinch of cinnamon
- 2 cups cooked giant butter or lima beans, drained and rinsed
TO SERVE:
- Sourdough bread
- Fresh herbs
- Chopped black olives, optional
- Vegan (or not) feta, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F / 180°C.
- In an oven-safe large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, just use a normal skillet and then transfer the beans to an oven safe casserole.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Add tomatoes, water, tomato paste, sugar, sea salt, oregano, chili flakes and cinnamon. Sauté for 10 more minutes.
- Stir in the butter beans. Turn off the heat.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake the beans for 50 minutes, the sauce should be thick and bubbly.
- Sprinkle a bit more sea salt on top if needed and serve with a big slice of sourdough bread and your favorite fresh herbs.
- Enjoy this comforting meal.