Impress your guests with this Greek gigantes plaki recipe
Greek gigantes plaki, a treasured vegetarian dish from Greece, marries giant white beans with a rich tomato sauce for a truly comforting meal. It's not just a staple of Greek cuisine but also exemplifies the Mediterranean diet's plant-based focus. Originating from a tradition of simplicity and nutrition, this dish invites us to delve into its wholesome flavors. Let's embark on this culinary journey together.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare Greek gigantes plaki, you will need 500 grams of dried gigante beans (or large lima beans), two medium onions finely chopped, two garlic cloves minced, 400 grams of canned tomatoes crushed, two tablespoons tomato paste, one-fourth cup olive oil, one teaspoon dried oregano, one teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Additionally, fresh parsley for garnishing adds a refreshing touch.
Preparing the beans
Soak the gigante beans overnight in water to soften them. Next day, drain and rinse the beans, then boil in fresh water for roughly an hour or until they are tender but still retain their shape. This essential step ensures that the beans are thoroughly cooked and ready to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
Crafting the sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat while beans cook. Add onions and garlic, sauteing until they are soft and translucent. Mix in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to form a base. Season with oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together perfectly.
Combining beans with sauce
Once the gigante beans are tender and thoroughly drained, blend them with the tomato sauce, ensuring each bean is enveloped in the flavorful mixture. Carefully transfer this blend into an oven-safe dish, arranging it evenly across the bottom. This preparation sets the stage for baking, where the flavors will deepen and meld together under heat, creating a harmonious vegetarian dish.
Baking to perfection
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Cover the bean-sauce mixture in a dish with foil or a lid. Bake for one hour until it's bubbling and the top caramelizes, enhancing the flavor. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Pair this Greek specialty with bread or rice for a fulfilling meal.
