Homemade Gigantes Plaki recipe

Gigantes Plaki is a classic Greek vegetarian and vegan dish that can be found in most taverns across Greece during summer and winter. This popular recipe consists of giant beans baked in a homemade tomato sauce, and it’s very tasty and super healthy.

The term 'Plaki' refers to the method of baking or braising, highlighting the slow-cooking process that allows the beans to absorb the delicious flavours of the sauce. The dish is often enhanced with ingredients like onions, garlic, and various herbs, creating a savoury and satisfying combination.

This traditional Greek recipe is perfect as a mezze or side dish and is ideal during Lent!

Ingredients 

-500g x dried butter beans

-1/2 tbsp x Greek extra virgin olive oil

-1 x Spanish onion, finely chopped

-2 x garlic cloves, finely chopped

-2 x tablespoons tomato purée

-800g x ripe tomatoes, grated

-1/2 x teaspoon dried oregano

-2 x tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

-Salt and Pepper to taste

-2 x cups boiled water

Method

-Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water.

-The next day, preheat the oven to 180C.

-Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and garlic, then cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.

-Add the tomato purée and cook for a further 2 minutes. Add grated tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, oregano and simmer for 3 minutes. Rinse beans and stir them into the sauce. Simmer for 3 minutes.

-Tip beans into a large ovenproof dish and add 2 cups of boiled water. Slowly stir with a wooden spoon and bake for approximately 1 hour, tightly covered with baking paper and aluminium foil.

-Uncover and, without stirring, allow the beans to bake for another 30 minutes until they are tender. The beans will absorb all the flavours, and the sauce will thicken.

-Allow to cool slightly and serve.