Greek Baked Giant Beans (Gigantes Plaki)

Greek Baked Giant Beans, known as "Gigantes Plaki," is a classic Greek dish full of Mediterranean flavors. This traditional recipe showcases large white beans baked in a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. It's a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious vegan and vegetarian main that pairs beautifully with feta cheese and crusty bread.

Ingredients

🥙 500g Dried Giant Beans any quality brand
🧂 Pinch of Salt for soaking & seasoning, any brand
💧 Fresh Water for soaking & boiling beans, any brand
🫒 Olive Oil any quality extra virgin
🧅 1 Large Red Onion, roughly chopped
🌿 2-3 Celery Stalks, roughly chopped
🥕 2 Large Carrots, chopped lengthwise into chunks
🧄 2 Garlic Cloves, roughly chopped
🌶️ 1 Large Red Bell Pepper, roughly chopped
🍬 1 Teaspoon Sugar any fine granular sugar brand
🌿 3 Bay Leaves any brand
🧄 1 Cinnamon Stick any brand
🍅 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste any brand
🥫 1 Can Chopped Tomatoes, approximately 400g any brand
🍷 1/4 Cup White Wine any dry white wine
🧂 1 Vegetable Stock Cube any brand
🌶️ Black Pepper, to taste freshly ground, any brand
🌿 2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
🍋 Zest of 1 Lemon
🌿 Fresh Parsley for garnish
🧄 Spring Onions for garnish
🧀 Feta Cheese for serving, two blocks, any brand
🌿 Dried Oregano for serving, any brand

Instructions

1- Soak the Beans:

• Place the dried giant beans in a large glass bowl.
• Cover completely with fresh water and a pinch of salt.
• Soak for 12 hours. Drain and rinse with fresh water.

2- Boil the Beans:

• Transfer soaked beans to the "Pierre Lemont" pot.
• Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
• Cook for approximately 1 hour until slightly soft but still firm.

3- Prepare the Vegetable Sauce:

• In a black non-stick frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and red bell pepper.
• Sauté for 10 minutes until caramelized.
• Stir in sugar, bay leaves, and a cinnamon stick. Cook for a few more minutes.
• Add tomato paste and cook briefly before adding tomatoes, water, and wine.
• Add the vegetable stock cube, season with salt and pepper, and add rosemary and lemon zest. Stir well.

4- Assemble and Bake:

• Transfer beans to the red and white oval baking dish.
• Pour the vegetable sauce over the beans and mix gently.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley and spring onions.
• Cover with aluminum foil.
• Preheat the "Samsung Bespoke" oven to 180°C (360°F) on fan mode.
• Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes covered, then uncover for 15 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (+12 hours soaking)
Cook Time: 135 minutes
Total Time: 13 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Equipment:

• "Pierre Lemont" Pot with Lid
• Black Non-Stick Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Glass and Ceramic Bowls
• Red and White Oval Baking Dish
• "Samsung Bespoke" Oven

Cooking Tips:

• Salt during soaking helps beans soften effectively.
• Do not overcook beans in the boiling stage.
• Sauté tomato paste briefly for a richer sauce.

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Greek Baked Giant Beans (Gigantes Plaki)