Butter Bean Recipe (Gigantes Plaki)
Greek-style Baked Butter Beans (Gigantes Plaki) are slow-cooked in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce with garlic and herbs. This hearty, plant-based dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect as a main course, side, or appetizer. Serve warm or at room temperature with gluten-free bread or a fresh salad.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 140kcal
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 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- ½ tablespoons 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).
Notes
If you would prefer to use ground cinnamon, add ¼ teaspoon to the spice mixture instead of using the cinnamon stick.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can serve the leftovers at room temperature.
Gigante beans are difficult to find. We have substituted butter beans but feel free to also use cannellini beans or great northern beans.
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2959IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
