Gigantes
- Nikki Glekas
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Gigantes is a traditional Greek dish featuring large lima beans cooked in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. The cooking method is simple and it's a great meal for getting on the table on a busy weeknight.
Like many Greek dishes, the ingredients for this meal are inexpensive and easy to access. A simple trip to the garden or farmer's market is all it takes to collect what you need. This is the truly the hallmark of simple Greek cooking!
After this dish is cooked I like to serve it with crumbled feta on top for a light, tangy finish. Gigantes are a wonderful, protein-rich meal that is perfect for the whole family. Give it a try this week and let us know how you like it!
Gigantes
This is a traditional way to serve beans in Greece. They are flavorful and hearty, the perfect protein-rich meal.
Ingredients
1 lb dried gigantes beans (or large lima beans), soaked overnight
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Salt
½ tsp pepper
Fresh parsley
Crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
The night before: To soak the beans, place them in a large bowl and fill it with water so the water is at least three times higher than the beans. Cover and leave the bowl at room temperature overnight.
To prepare the dish, drain the beans and return to the big bowl.
Fill a large pot with salted water and add the beans. Bring it to a simmer under medium-to-high heat and cook for one hour.
Meanwhile, in a saute pan, cook the onion in olive oil until soft and lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in ½ cup of water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt & pepper. Simmer 10–15 min.
When the beans are cooked, drain them and gently fold them into tomato mixture and transfer them to a baking dish.
Bake the beans at 375°F uncovered for 40–50 minutes until thick and lightly caramelized on top.
Finish with fresh herbs and feta if using.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.
Comments