Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

Name: Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb dried large lima beans (or giant white beans), soaked overnight; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 2 cans crushed tomatoes (canned); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 1 cup water

Creamy giant white beans slow-baked in a garlicky tomato and herb sauce until the liquid reduces into a thick, glossy coating. Plan ahead: soak dried beans overnight before cooking.

120 minMediumServes 6290 cal/serving

GreekSideOvenVeganMediterraneanHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb dried large lima beans (or giant white beans), soaked overnight
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cans crushed tomatoes (canned)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 cup water

Instructions

1

Drain and rinse the 1 lb soaked overnight dried large lima beans (or giant white beans). Transfer to a large pot, cover with fresh cold water by 3 inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
2

Preheat oven to 375°F.
3

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat half the 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and cook for 6-7 minutes until softened. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
4

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 cans crushed tomatoes (canned), 1 cup water, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5

Add the par-cooked beans to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. The sauce should just come up to the level of the beans.
6

Transfer to the oven uncovered and bake for 50-60 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is thick and the beans are very tender and slightly caramelized on top.
7

Remove bay leaves. Drizzle with the remaining extra-virgin olive oil, scatter 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley over the top, and serve warm or at room temperature.

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Questions

What is Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)?

Creamy giant white beans slow-baked in a garlicky tomato and herb sauce until the liquid reduces into a thick, glossy coating. Plan ahead: soak dried beans overnight before cooking. This reference files it under Greek side: made in the oven, rated medium and about 120 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)?

As written, 120 minutes: 30 of prep and 90 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 1, overnight, or about 8 hours. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

What temperature do I cook Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans) at?

For Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans), the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 2. The longest stretch at that heat is 1 hour, in step 6.

How do I know when Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans) is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 6: cook until the sauce is thick and the beans are very tender and slightly caramelized on top.

How many calories are in Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 290 calories, with 14 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat, plus 8 g fiber and 380 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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