Greek style baked butter beans – Gigantes Plaki

Greek baked butter beans are a traditional delicacy that are packed with nutrition and have an amazing flavour. Naturally vegan, they’re sure to become a family favourite dinner!

Despite having never been to Greece (unless you count a layover at Athens airport) I’m a big fan of Greek food. Lots of fresh flavours, tasty vegetables, and olive oil – you can’t go wrong! It’s also a cuisine that lends itself really well to plant-based eating. This recipe for gigantes plaki – Greek baked butter beans – is a great example.

What are gigantes?

Gigantes means “giants” in Greek, and this recipe is traditionally made with ‘giant’ beans. In Greece, giant runner beans (fasolia gigantes) are used. However these can be hard to find, so the dish is also commonly made with butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus), which are also called lima beans or wax beans. Personally, I like to use butter beans in this recipe, as they’re easy to get hold of and I love their creamy texture and mild flavour.

Why are butter beans good for you?

Butter beans are a great source of high-quality protein. They are low in fat and a good source of dietary fibre. They contain both soluble fibre, which can help in the regulation of blood sugar levels and cholesterol, and insoluble fibre which helps to maintain a healthy gut.

Butter beans are a good source of vitamins B6 and B1, and folate, plus the minerals potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and iron. They are an excellent component of a healthy, balanced diet.

Gigantes plaki – giant baked butter beans

To make gigantes plaki – baked giant beans – the butter beans are first soaked and cooked in water. You can skip this step (I do!) by using canned beans. Simply drain and rinse. Easy!

If you want to cook your butter beans from scratch, there’s a great article and instructions here.

Ingredients in Greek baked beans

To make a pot of delicious gigantes for yourself, you will need the following:

• Butter beans/lima beans – I use ready-to-eat beans from a can, but you can soak and cook them from scratch if you prefer.
• Onion and garlic – for a great depth of savoury flavour.
• Olive oil – use Greek olive oil for a really authentic taste!
• Tomato puree/tomato paste – for an intense tomato flavour.
• Tinned tomatoes
• Vegetable stock – or use a cube or some homemade soup powder in water.
• Herbs and spices – oregano, mint, and a pinch of chilli (optional).
• Fresh lemon and fresh herbs to serve.

How to make butter beans in tomato sauce

The slow oven-cooking process infuses the beans with the delicious flavour of the tomato sauce, and also allows the sauce to thicken and mellow. The end result is wonderfully creamy butter beans in a richly flavoursome tomato sauce.

When to eat Greek butter bean stew

Gigantes can be served hot from the oven as a vegan main dish. We love to eat these tasty Greek butter beans served over rice or couscous. You can spoon them onto a slice of grilled sourdough bread for posh baked beans on toast! Scoop them up with a warm pita, or use these delicious home-baked beans to top a jacket potato, or even a toasted crumpet.

Once the butter beans have cooled, you can serve them warm or at room temperature as part of a mezze spread. They make a delicious addition to a selection of Mediterranean dips and salads like humous, chopped salad etc. Sprinkle them with some finely chopped fresh mint or parsley or even a little grated lemon zest – beautiful!

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📖 Recipe

FAQ and Top tips for making Gigantes plaki