Giant Beans Baked in the Oven (Gigantes Plaki)
Giant Beans baked in the oven, known as Gigantes Plaki, are a beloved Greek classic—large buttery beans gently baked in a rich, tomato-based ladera, scented with fragrant herbs and olive oil. A soulful, rustic dish that warms the heart.
Ingredients
- 500 g giant beans
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 100 g spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Sweet paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans:
Place the giant beans in a large pot, cover them with plenty of water, and let them soak overnight.
The next morning, drain and rinse the beans. Transfer them to a pressure cooker, cover with water (just enough for cooking), and cook for 35-40 minutes until tender. - Prepare the Vegetables:
In a baking dish, add the chopped tomatoes, carrot, parsley, spinach, red pepper, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix everything thoroughly. - Combine and Bake:
Once the beans are cooked, drain them (reserving the cooking liquid). Add the beans to the baking dish with the vegetables and stir well to combine.
Add just enough reserved cooking liquid to keep the dish moist but not soupy. Save the rest in case it is needed during baking. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180-190°C (350-375°F). Bake the beans for 35-40 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are well-cooked. Stir occasionally and add a bit more liquid if necessary. - Serve:
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
A Ladera-style Olive Oil Elixir
In Gigantes Plaki, soaked giant white beans (fasolia gigantes) are first simmered until tender. They’re then combined with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes or paste, plus herbs like oregano and thyme—finished with olive oil before slow-baking until the sauce melds and the flavors deepen.
Why It’s Irresistible
This dish balances creamy beans with the sweet acidity of tomato, enriched by herbs and olive oil. The result is deeply satisfying with a comforting texture that melts in the mouth—whether served warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Gigantes Plaki with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce. It shines as a vegetarian main or as part of a meze spread, embodying Mediterranean warmth.
A Classic Greek Comfort Food:
This baked giant bean dish is the epitome of Greek cuisine: hearty, wholesome, and brimming with the flavors of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Serve it with crusty bread or as a side dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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