Gigantes Plaki: A Taste of Greece in Every Bite

There’s something truly special about Greek cuisine. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. And if you’re looking for a dish that embodies all of those qualities, look no further than Gigantes Plaki – or Greek Butter Beans. This isn’t just any bean stew; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a taste of sunshine, and a dish that’s been enjoyed by families in Greece for generations. I remember my Yiayia (grandmother) making this for me as a child, and the aroma alone is enough to transport me back to her cozy kitchen. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Butter Bean Recipe

This Gigantes Plaki recipe is more than just delicious; it’s surprisingly easy to make! While it does require some planning (soaking the beans overnight), the actual cooking process is straightforward. The combination of tender butter beans, a rich tomato sauce, and fragrant herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s also a wonderfully healthy and filling meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic vegetarian dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this authentic Greek masterpiece:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) dry butter beans (Lima beans): These are the stars of the show! Make sure you use large butter beans for the best texture.
• 1 small onion: Adds a lovely sweetness to the sauce.
• 2-3 large garlic cloves: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1 large ripe tomato (or 150 grams canned diced tomatoes): Fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: For a concentrated tomato flavor.
• 2 medium carrots & 1 stick of celery: These add depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• 375 grams (1½ cups) tomato passata: This smooth tomato puree forms the base of our sauce.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color.
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or dry): A quintessential Greek herb.
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley & 2 tablespoons chopped dill: Fresh herbs are key for brightness.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil: Essential for that authentic Greek flavor.
• 2 liter (8 cups) hot water or stock: For cooking the beans.
• Coarse, unrefined sea salt & freshly ground pepper: To season.
• Feta cheese & Kalamata olives: For serving – a must!

Let’s Get Cooking: Instructions

1. Soak the Beans: Add the butter beans to a large pot. Cover with water (about 4 cm above the beans) and soak overnight.
2. Cook the Beans: Bring the beans to a boil, skim off any froth, and drain. Return the beans to the pot with 2 liters (8 cups) of hot water or stock and a generous pinch of sea salt. Simmer, covered, for 40-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. Prepare the Sauce: While the beans cook, heat olive oil in a sauté pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, season with salt, and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add Vegetables & Seasonings: Add the carrots and celery to the sauce, stir, and then pour in the tomato passata, bay leaf, paprika, oregano, parsley, dill, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Add 2 cups (500 ml) of hot water and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine & Bake: Transfer the cooked beans (with their cooking liquid) to a large baking dish. Pour the sauce over the beans and shake to combine.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
8. Rest & Serve: Let the beans rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to absorb.

Tips & Variations

• Bean Quality: Use the freshest, highest-quality butter beans you can find.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Smoked Paprika: Substitute sweet paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Add Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Gigantes Plaki is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. A simple Greek salad (Horiatiki) is also a perfect accompaniment. For a complete Greek feast, serve with grilled halloumi cheese or souvlaki. And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine!

Conclusion

This Gigantes Plaki recipe is a true taste of Greece. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do. Kali Orexi! (Good Appetite!)

FAQ

Can I skip the overnight soaking?

While it’s not ideal, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour.

Can I use canned butter beans?

Yes, but the texture won’t be quite the same. If using canned, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them to the sauce during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Can I freeze Gigantes Plaki?

Yes, it freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

What is passata?

Passata is a smooth, strained tomato puree. You can usually find it in the Italian section of most supermarkets.

Gigantes Plaki: Authentic Greek Butter Bean Stew

Recipe by ELMEHDI HMICHE

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

Calories

250

kcal

Experience the authentic taste of Greece with this easy Gigantes Plaki recipe! Tender butter beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fragrant herbs. A comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

• 500g dry butter beans500g dry butter beans

• 1 onion1 onion

• 2-3 garlic cloves2-3 garlic cloves

• 1 tomato1 tomato

• 2 tbsp tomato paste2 tbsp tomato paste

• 375g tomato passata375g tomato passata

• 1 bay leaf1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp paprika1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp oregano1 tsp oregano

• 2 tbsp parsley2 tbsp parsley

• 2 tbsp dill2 tbsp dill

• 60ml olive oil60ml olive oil

• 2L water/stock2L water/stock

• Salt & pepperSalt & pepper

• FetaFeta

• OlivesOlives

Directions

• Soak beans overnight.
• Cook beans until tender.
• Prepare tomato sauce.
• Combine beans and sauce.
• Bake for 40-45 mins.
• Rest before serving.