Gigantes Plaki is a simple but flavorful dish made with giant butter beans and tomatoes. It’s a delicious and healthy recipe that is full of flavor.

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The first time I tried a version of Gigantes Plaki, it was at Stella’s — a fantastic Greek restaurant in Richmond. I wanted to try making them at home, but I had trouble finding the beans. It turns out, I just had to know what to look for. (See below!) This is a classic Greek recipe and there are tons of variations, but I wanted to keep this recipe really simple. You can enjoy it as a side dish, but it’s hearty enough that it could easily be the main course. 

What are giant beans?

Giant beans (also called “gigantes”) are large, creamy-white beans known for their size and unique texture and they’re common in Greek cuisine. These beans are a variety of lima beans, specifically the giant lima bean. They have a meaty texture when cooked, which is why I love using them in recipes! They’re great for a plant-based dish that feels substantial. They absorb flavors well, which is why they are often used in recipes like this with tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices. These beans can be a bit challenging to find in some places, and they may go by different names such as “giant butter beans” or simply “large lima beans.” But they’re easy to spot based on their substantial size compared to regular-sized beans.

Where to Find Gigantes Beans

The beans for gigantes can be a little hard to find because they go by a lot of different names. Sometimes they’re called “large butter beans,” and sometimes they’re called “giant lima beans,” and if you’re in a specialty store you may see them by other names. I found them at Kroger, but you can order them on Amazon if you can’t find them in a store near you.

Tips & Tricks

  • The rich tomato sauce is the base of the flavor so it’s important that you use high-quality tomatoes. I recommend using diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes or tomato purée work well for a thinner sauce.
  • You can used canned butter beans or you can cook dried beans until they’re tender. I often cook the dry beans in my Instant Pot and then add them to this recipe. I think the texture is a little better than canned, but either one works fine.
  • If you have leftover beans, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

How to Cook Dried Giant Beans

I often make dried beans in my Instant Pot. I don’t soak them first — I just add one pound of dried giant lima beans and 6 cups of water or vegetable broth, then I pressure cook for 50 minutes. Quick-release the pressure and your beans should be nice and tender! You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If the beans are old, they may take longer to cook.

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Gigantes Beans

Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Beans)

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 cups 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Gigantes Plaki is a simple but flavorful side dish made with giant butter beans and tomatoes. It’s a delicious and healthy recipe that is full of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15oz) can large butter beans or 4 cups cooked large butter beans
  • 1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In an oven-safe dish, combine the beans, diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dill, salt and pepper.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dill. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

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What to Serve with Baked Gigantes

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