Best 6 Baked Gigantes Beans Greek Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Dive into the culinary heritage of Greece with our tantalizingBaked Gigantes Beans! These colossal beans, also known as elephant beans, are transformed into a delectable dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Indulge in the simple yet flavorful combination of tender beans, aromatic herbs, and tangy tomatoes, all harmoniously blended in a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

Our collection of recipes offers a diverse range of culinary adventures. From the classic Baked Gigantes Beans with Feta Cheese, where the creamy feta adds a touch of richness, to the innovative Grilled Gigantes Beans with Lemon and Garlic, which infuses the beans with a zesty citrusy flavor.

For those who prefer a vegan delight, the Vegan Baked Gigantes Beans are a satisfying choice, showcasing the natural goodness of the beans complemented by a flavorful tomato sauce. And if you're looking for a quick and easy option, the Instant Pot Gigantes Beans provide a hassle-free way to enjoy this traditional dish in no time.

Whichever recipe you choose, Baked Gigantes Beans are a versatile culinary treasure that can be enjoyed as a hearty main course, a delightful side dish, or even as a flavorful addition to salads and dips. Their robust texture and nutty flavor make them a favorite among vegetarians, vegans, and meat-lovers alike.

So, embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece and savor the irresistible taste of Baked Gigantes Beans, where every bite is a celebration of Mediterranean tradition and culinary artistry.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GREEK BAKED GIANT BEANS (GIGANTES PLAKI)



Greek baked giant beans (Gigantes Plaki) image

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!

Provided by The Hungry Bites

Categories     Dinner     Main Course

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound (450 grams) dried giant beans (Gigantes)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped or grated
1 carrot, finely chopped
3 cups pureed tomatoes
1 cup chopped parsley or celery
1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
Freshly grounded black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
2 cups water or vegetable stock

Steps:

  • 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!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

GIGANTES PLAKI RECIPE (GIGANDES GREEK BAKED 'GIANT' BEANS)



Gigantes Plaki recipe (Gigandes Greek Baked 'Giant' Beans) image

Filling and super-healthy! A traditional Greek Gigantes beans recipe (gigantes plaki), made of 'giant' beans baked in a tomato sauce with plenty of fresh herbs, for a unique taste!

Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos

Categories     Main

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

500g gigantes beans (17 ounces)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 small clove of garlic
1 large onion, finely chopped
4-5 tbsps parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup of hot water
400g (14 ounces) tinned chopped tomatoes or 600g (21 ounces) ripped fresh tomatoes, grated
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • To prepare the gigantes (Gigsntes) plaki, start by soaking the gigantes beans overnight into plenty of water. Drain them into a colander and rinse with plenty of water.
  • Place the gigantes in a large pan with cold water, enough to cover them, add a pinch of sea salt and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 45 minutes, until tender but not cooked. Drain them in a colander and set aside.
  • In the meantime, pour into a large baking pan the olive oil, add the chopped onions, the whole garlic clove (peeled) and bake at 180C, until softened and slightly colored (approx. 15 minutes).
  • Turn the baking pan out of the oven. Add the gigantes beans (drained), the celery, the parsley, ½ cup of hot water and season with salt and pepper. Put back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Turn the baking tray out of the oven, blend the gigantes beans lightly with a wooden spoon and pour in the grated tomatoes or plum tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, add a pinch of oregano and bake the gigantes plaki further for 50-60 minutes at 180C, until the beans are soft and tender and the sauce thickens.
  • For an easier alternative, after soaking the gigantes beans overnight, drain and rinse them. Place in a large pan with enough water to cover them and bring to the boil. Boil for 5 minutes, drain them and place into a large baking pan, along with all of the ingredients, cover with some aluminum foil and bake at 180C for approx. 2 hours. The last 30 minutes, bake without the aluminium foil. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 portion, Calories 351kcal, Sugar 4.1g, Sodium 307mg, Fat 14.7g, SaturatedFat 2.2g, UnsaturatedFat 11.9g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 42.7g, Fiber 10.9g, Protein 15.6g, Cholesterol 0mg

GIGANTES (GREEK GIANT BAKED BEANS)



Gigantes (Greek Giant Baked Beans) image

Butter Beans are most similar to our 'gigantes' (giants). If any of you have access to an ethnic Greek grocery, go and get the real thing - you'll love them!

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Beans

Time 2h30m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb dried butter beans (soaked overnight) or 1 lb dried lima beans (soaked overnight)
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice (concasse)
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
4 -5 garlic cloves, minced
3 large carrots, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 stalks celery & leaves, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 lb bacon, chopped (or 6 oz. bacon and 6 oz good quality pork sausage, cut up) (optional)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
enough hot water, to cover beans by 1 inch

Steps:

  • Cook the pre-soaked beans in a pressure cooker, with enough water to cover by one inch, for 20 minutes and allow to sit, undisturbed, for 2-3 hours before proceeding with recipe.
  • Tip the beans into a large baking pan.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients, except the dill, and stir well to distribute.
  • Pour over enough hot water to cover beans by 1".
  • Place pan in oven and set oven to 400°F.
  • Bake for 2 hours. Check, if you like your beans more tender, cook them a half hour longer.
  • Stir dill in for last 15 minutes of baking.
  • There will still be plenty of juices in the pan, but these will be absorbed by the beans and thicken as the beans cool.
  • Like nearly all bean recipes, these only improve the next day, and the day after next.
  • In Greece, these beans would constitute the main, 'vegetarian' meal and would not include the bacon, which is my own addition. We often eat meatless, especially when we're fasting. With or without the bacon or sausage, this is good eating, especially with a big chunk of sharp feta cheese on the side to nibble on between bites of beans and slurps of sauce and some good, honest, crusty bread to clean your plate up with. :-).

GIGANTES (GREEK LIMA BEANS)



Gigantes (Greek Lima Beans) image

This is a family recipe. In Greek, it's called 'Gigantes' which translates as 'Giants.' Try to find the largest dried lima beans possible. My aunt adds small canned sausages, but I prefer this meatless. Serve with feta cheese and a crusty bread. You can also substitute 2 teaspoons parsley for the dill if you prefer.

Provided by stamarex

Categories     Side Dish     Beans and Peas     Baked Bean Recipes

Time 10h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (16 ounce) package dried lima beans
2 (16 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes with juice
1 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

Steps:

  • Place the lima beans in a large saucepan. Pour enough water to fill to 2 inches above top of the beans. Allow to soak overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes; drain. Pour the beans into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Add the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill; stir.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water if the mixture appears dry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.7 calories, Carbohydrate 40.4 g, Fat 27.5 g, Fiber 11.8 g, Protein 13 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 171 mg, Sugar 7.4 g

BAKED GIGANTES BEANS



Baked Gigantes Beans image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 17m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cans butter beans, drained
1 cup canned tomato sauce
A handful chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • In a small oven safe dish or casserole, combine beans with tomato sauce, parsley, and oregano, crushing the oregano in your palm before you sprinkle it into the beans. Drizzle beans with a touch of extra-virgin oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Combine ingredients with a final toss.
  • Place in oven and bake 12 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and beans are heated through.

GIGANTES PLAKI (GREEK BAKED BEANS)



Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Beans) image

Before we moved south I could take or leave a dried lima bean. I have acquired a taste for them and when I saw this recipe in magazine I knew I would have to make them for one of our 'meatless' nights. My friend Anna who is from Greece says she grew up eating this dish several times a month especially when times were lean.

Provided by Marsha Gardner

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb dried gigantes, butter beans, elephant beans or large lima beans
3 bay leaves
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
4 clove garlic
red pepper flakes to taste
1 qt diced tomatoes
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 c parsley, chopped
1/4 c dill, chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Soak the dried gigantes beans in water with the bay leaves over night. Bring the water to a boil and simmer until the beans are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
  • 2. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions, carrot and celery and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add the garlic and chili pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
  • 3. Add the tomatoes, paprika and oregano and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the parsley, dill, beans and 1/2 cup of the liquid that the beans were cooked in into the tomato sauce.
  • 4. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until the top is browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 50-60 minutes.

Tips:

  • Soak the beans overnight: This will help them cook more evenly and reduce cooking time.
  • Use a variety of beans: This will give your dish a more complex flavor and texture.
  • Don't skimp on the spices: Spices are what give gigantes beans their characteristic flavor. Be generous with them!
  • Use a good quality olive oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in Greek cuisine. Use a good quality oil to get the best flavor.
  • Cook the beans until they are tender: Gigantes beans should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape.
  • Serve the beans with a side of bread or rice: This will help to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

Gigantes beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you serve them as a main course, a side dish, or a snack, they are sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give gigantes beans a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics