Name: Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped; 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ready-chopped garlic or garlic purée (or 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed); Handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped; 8-10 fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon paprika; 800 g tinned butterbeans (2 x 400g tins), drained and rinsed; 400 g tin chopped tomatoes; 2 tablespoon tomato purée; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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If you love hearty, comforting dishes with a vibrant Mediterranean flair, you will absolutely adore this Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe. This version of the traditional Gigantes Plaki uses tinned butter beans simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that’s both satisfying and unbelievably simple to whip up on any busy day. It’s a perfect marriage of tender beans, fragrant herbs, and tangy tomatoes that feels like a big, warm hug from the Greek kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a black frying pan filled with diced white onions and small orange carrot pieces evenly spread across the bottom. In the center, a pile of bright red paprika powder sits on top of the vegetables, creating a vivid color contrast. The texture of the onions looks soft and slightly translucent, while the carrots maintain a firm, slightly glossy appearance. The pan surface has a slight shine, suggesting oil or moisture. The overall scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature taste and texture. From the silky butter beans to the fresh herbs, every element shines through beautifully.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a pleasant richness and helps gently soften the vegetables.
1 onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the flavor.
1 carrot: Brings subtle sweetness and a lovely hint of color.
1 teaspoon garlic purée or 1 clove garlic: Offers a punch of savory warmth without overwhelming the dish.
½ teaspoon paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth that complements the beans.
800 g tinned butter beans (2 x 400g tins): The star ingredient — creamy, satisfying, and full of protein.
400 g tin chopped tomatoes: Creates that rich, tangy tomato sauce base.
2 tablespoons tomato purée: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity in the tomatoes for a perfectly rounded sauce.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Brings classic Greek herbal notes to the dish.
Handful fresh parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and vibrant green color.
8-10 fresh mint leaves: Gives a subtle cooling lift that enlivens the flavors.

How to Make Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe

Step 1: Gently Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish. Finely chop the onion and add it to the pan, cooking over a gentle heat until it softens and releases its sweet aroma. This slow cooking step is essential to build a deep, rich flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Carrot, Garlic, and Paprika

While the onion cooks, peel and finely chop the carrot, then toss it in with the onion. Next, stir in the garlic purée and paprika, cooking everything over a medium heat for about two minutes. This brief time allows the spices to bloom and infuses the dish with that unmistakable warmth and complexity.

Step 3: Introduce Beans and Tomatoes

Drain and rinse the butter beans. Add them to the pan along with the chopped tomatoes. Use the empty tomato tin to measure half a tin of water, which you then pour into the pan. This adds just enough liquid to transform the ingredients into a mouthwatering stew.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Purée, Sugar, and Oregano

Add the tomato purée, sugar, and dried oregano to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the beans soak up all the gorgeous flavors. If the mixture starts to dry, just add a splash of water or cover the pan briefly.

Step 5: Stir in Fresh Herbs and Finish

Just before serving, roughly chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves and stir them through the beans. These fresh herbs add a lively brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — and now your Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe

A plate of cooked white beans mixed with a thick red tomato sauce with visible small pieces of onion and herbs, garnished with fresh chopped green parsley. The beans and sauce form one thick layer in the center of a smooth white plate with a pale blue border. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially on the beans. In the background on the right, a piece of torn bread with a rough crust lies on a gray cloth on a white marbled surface. Another plate with beans in sauce is out of focus in the top right area. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs are the best way to finish this dish, so don’t skip the parsley and mint. You can also grate a little feta cheese over the top for a salty tang or drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil to add silkiness. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper always elevates the flavors too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for mopping up the luscious tomato sauce. A crisp green salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives complements the richness of the beans, keeping the meal fresh and balanced. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the Gigantes Beans in rustic bowls garnished with lemon wedges to squeeze over for an extra zing. You can also turn it into a warm mezze platter alongside tzatziki, hummus, and pita bread — inviting everyone to dig in and share the joy of Greek flavors together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and moisture. It tastes even better the next day because the beans continue to soak up the delicious sauce overnight.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe on hand for later, it freezes wonderfully. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will stay great for up to three months, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of tinned beans?

Absolutely! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before starting the recipe. This will add extra time but provides a lovely texture and fresh taste.

Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just be mindful of any sides or garnishes you add if adhering strictly to vegan diet.

Can I substitute other types of beans?

While butter beans are traditional, you can use large cannellini or lima beans for a similar creamy texture. Just ensure the beans hold their shape when cooked and aren’t too firm or mushy.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a mild warmth from the paprika but isn’t spicy hot. You can easily adjust by adding chili flakes if you want a bit more heat.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh parsley and mint really brighten the dish. If using dried, add them earlier in the cooking process to let their flavors develop within the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Quick & Easy Greek Gigantes Beans Recipe — it brings together simple ingredients in a genuinely comforting and vibrant stew that’s perfect any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this dish invites everyone to share in the delicious heart of Greek home cooking. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to meals!