Description
This quick and easy Greek Gigantes Beans recipe offers a speedy and flavorful take on the traditional meze dish Gigantes Plaki. Using tinned butter beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and herbs, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying main course served with crusty bread and a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 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
Pantry Items
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole over gentle heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Add Carrot and Garlic: Add the finely chopped carrot to the pan. Then stir in the garlic and paprika. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Drain and rinse the butterbeans. Add them to the pan along with the chopped tomatoes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Refill the empty tomato tin halfway with water and pour it into the pan. Then add tomato purée, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. If it starts to dry out, add a splash of water or cover with a lid.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley and mint. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Gigantes Beans hot, ideally with crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using tinned butterbeans speeds up the cooking process compared to dried beans.
- You can substitute fresh garlic for garlic purée if preferred.
- If the tomato sauce becomes too thick or starts to stick, add a little water to maintain desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the flavors significantly.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a traditional Greek meal experience.
