This Butter Bean Recipe, or Gigantes Plaki, is a comforting Greek dish made with creamy beans, tomatoes, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Slow-baked, these beans are perfect as a vegetarian main course, side dish, or appetizer. This simple recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and delicious.
Greek Butter Beans At A Glance
- ⏱ Total Time: 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min bake)
- 🍽 Servings: 4
- 🇬🇷 Cuisine Type: Greek / Mediterranean
- 🍅 Flavor Profile: Creamy butter beans baked in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce with garlic, herbs, and a subtle hint of warm spice
- 🥗 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian (optional feta for serving)
- 🥡 Storage Notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve warm or at room temperature
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: A classic Greek dish that is simple, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Serve it as a main, side, or appetizer with crusty bread or a fresh salad
This is a traditional Greek dish that is known for it's deep flavor produced by a slow bake. A touch of garlic, onion, and herbs balance the dish making it a favorite for casual gatherings.
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Serve it warm or at room temperature with crusty gluten-free bread, Pita Chips With Za\'atar, or a crisp salads like the Greek Village Salad or the Asparagus Salad With Herbs.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this butter beans recipe:
Ingredient Notes
- Butter Beans - I am using canned butter beans in this recipe as they are readily available in the grocery store. Butter beans are a larger variety of the lima beans. While not exactly gigante beans, in taste testing for this recipe, I found that they work and taste very similar to gigante beans once they have been baked.
- Tomatoes - I am using canned diced tomatoes. I prefer to test recipes using tomatoes that have been fire-roasted. The roasting brings out the flavor of the tomatoes and lends a smoky quality. If you can't find the fire-roasted variety it is fine to use regular canned diced tomatoes.
See the recipe card for quantities.
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How To Make This Butter Bean Recipe: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Saute the vegetables until soft along with the cinnamon stick.
Step 2: Add the tomatoes and other spices. Saute for a few more minutes.
Step 3: Add the beans and combine.
Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes until soft.
Confidence Tip
Make sure you rinse your beans if using them from a can. This will rinse off the excess starch.
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Spicy - While this recipe has some red pepper flakes, you can double or triple the amount depending on your spice level. You can also substitute Aleppo pepper for the red pepper if you prefer.
- Cinnamon - This recipe calls for using a cinnamon stick. If you prefer more cinnamon taste, use up to a ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the spice mixture.
Substitutions:
- Beans - If you can't find butter beans in the grocery store, you can substitute cannellini or great northern beans.
Other delicious Greek-inspired dishes include the Greek Lentil Salad, Greek Green Beans, and the Lamb Moussaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easy answer is yes they are related. Butter beans are a larger version of a lima bean.
No they are not the same. Butter beans are related to lima beans. Gigante beans are a different bean family but they are difficult to find. Butter beans work well in this recipe after testing.
This is because you didn't add enough water when you added the tomatoes. Add another 2-4 tablespoons of water while cooking.
These beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are better if left overnight. Serve them room temperature.
Other Bean Dishes
Let me know your thoughts on this Butter Bean Recipe by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Easy Butter Bean Recipe (Gigantes Plaki)
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Kosher salt
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 tbsps water
- ¼ cup parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- ½ tablespoon thyme leaves chopped
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 (15 oz) can butter beans drained and rinsed
- creamy feta cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- In a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
- Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and cinnamon stick.
- Season with a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes wit their juices and the water.
- Season with another pinch of salt.
- Add the parsley thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Stir in the beans and cook for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until thickened and the top layer turns a light golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaf.
- Finish with a drizzle of oil oil, feta (if using), and chopped parsley (optional).
Gwen Wolken says
A new favorite!