Gigantes Plaki a.k.a Giant Baked Beans
A traditional Greek recipe that’s incredibly easy to make, naturally vegan, protein-rich and fiber-rich. This comforting, rich, fragrant, truly satisfying meal will quickly become a family favorite.
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.