This is a healthy recipe for Greek baked giant beans (Gigantes Plaki). Learn all the traditional secrets and an easy method for the best beans you can make in the oven! Best served with a Greek salad (Horiatiki) or this delicious Cretan Dakos salad.
Well, after making these Greek traditional baked chickpeas (Revithada) I just knew I had to post another emblematic Greek recipe with legumes, and of course I’m talking about Greek baked giant beans or Gigantes Plaki as they're known in Greek. I said this recipe is easy, and it is, but easy doesn’t always mean quick. You’ll have to do a little scheduling and soak the beans overnight for the best and creamiest results.
After they're baked in the oven, this creamy interior comes in contrast with the charred tops (which also give this dish a hint of smokiness) creating a great, healthy meal, that happens to be vegan, gluten-free and a great source of plant-based protein.
In Greece, it’s almost inconceivable to have any kind of beans for lunch or dinner without one or two thick slices of bread on the side and a nice Horiatiki Salad. There’s a theory that every time legumes like beans, lentils, and peanuts are combined with grains like wheat, rice, and corn, a complete protein is born.
You don’t have to do this in your every meal in order to get all the essential amino acids, but I don’t suppose it hurts to eat a piece of bread (or some rice) with these Gigantes. Also, if some other day you happen to have some leftover beans you should think about making this traditional white bean risotto (which combines beans with rice in a genius way). 🙂
Some recipes for Greek baked giant beans (Gigantes Plaki) require cooking the tomato sauce separately and then combine everything in a pan. I find it a lot easier (and with less cleanup) to just add all of the ingredients to the pan and let them bake in the oven for about an hour. This way, the sauce has enough time to caramelize and get a hint of smokiness from the charred tops of the beans and vegetables.
Also, celery is often used but I happen to prefer parsley. In the ingredient list I give you both options, so feel free to choose whatever you like best.
What to do for the beans to stay pretty
- Maybe the most important thing you should do first is to buy good quality giant beans. They should have been produced the same year and their skin should not look flaky and old.
- Also, you’ll need to soak them in fresh water for at least 12 hours, or even better for 24 hours. If the water in your region is hard, use bottled water.
- After that, rinse them well and simmer slowly until they become tender. Taste one to check for doneness.
- When the beans are done, if you drain them while they’re still hot, their skins will peel-off and they won’t look good. To prevent this, drain half of the water from the pot and refill with tap water to bring the temperature down. If they’re still hot after 5 minutes, repeat this 1-2 times more.
- Bake them in the oven with the sauce at a high temperature, until they’re slightly charred on top. 🙂
Some notes/tips:
- Soak the beans for at least 12 hours or more. This will give them the chance to hydrate properly and cook more evenly.
- Simmer the beans in a pot filled with soft water and don’t add any salt. Remove from the heat only when they’re tender.
- Layer the beans on the pan in a thin layer. For this, you’ll need a large pan or casserole dish.
- Bake at a high temperature until almost all of the liquids have evaporated.
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📖 Recipe
Greek baked giant beans (Gigantes Plaki)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) dried giant beans (Gigantes)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped or grated
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 3 cups pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped parsley or celery
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine salt
- Freshly grounded black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 2 cups water or vegetable stock
Instructions
- Soak the beans in a large bowl with plenty of water for at least 12 hours (24 hours will work best).Rinse them well and transfer them in large pot. Fill with enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches and bring to a simmer. Skim any foam from the surface and cook until tender (about 1 hour). Remove from the heat.
- Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C).Drain half of the water from the pot and refill with fresh water (this will cool the beans and will help them not to peel-off when drained). Stir gently and let them sit until you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Drain the beans and transfer them to a large casserole dish or baking pan. Add the rest of the ingredients except the water and stir gently to mix. Add enough water to just cover them.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until almost all of the liquids have evaporated.
- Serve with bread and olives. Eat!
Notes
Nutrition
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camila says
I am all about them plant based proteins!! This looks fantastic Makos! Your photography is so stunning!
Makos says
Thank you so much Camila!
TammyRenea @SanPasqualsKitchen says
These look amazing. What a beautiful recipe! I can't wait to try them.
Makos says
Thank you very much Tammy!
Nick @ GreekBoston.com says
This is a classic Greek dish that is a staple food in our household. It's not only good for you, but it's the ultimate comfort food.
Makos says
My thoughts exactly Nick! I had some time to make them, and when I tasted those beans I was so happy!
Lisa Viger is Planted365 says
Wow, this is beautiful! Did not know there was a “giant bean” … thanks for the info!
Makos says
I find them tastier than regular beans. Thanks!
Karen says
Where do you find these dried beans?
Makos says
Hi Karen, I believe you can find them in big super markets or in local Greek food stores. Search for Gigandes or butter beans.
Amazon also sells them ( https://www.amazon.com/Greek-Giant-Beans-Gigantes-3alpha/dp/B000LRH6J0/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Gigantes+Beans&qid=1633542259&sr=8-5)