World Flavors Cookbook

Gigantes Plaki

Giant baked beans in a rich tomato and herb sauce — one of the most beloved Greek meze dishes, eaten warm or at room temperature.

Cuisine: Greece

Ingredients

• 500g dried gigantes (giant white beans), soaked overnight
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Flat parsley, chopped
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Boil soaked beans in fresh water until just tender, about 45 minutes. Drain.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes.
4. Combine beans and tomato sauce in a baking dish.
5. Bake at 180C for 30-40 minutes until sauce thickens and beans absorb flavour.
6. Scatter parsley. Serve with crusty bread.