Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans (Gigantes Plaki)
A wholesome and hearty Greek classic, these giant beans are baked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs and olive oil until tender and flavorful.
- Prep5 min
- Cook2h 15m
- Total2h 20m
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings8
Gigantes plaki is a beloved traditional Greek dish, perfect as a main course or a hearty side. The giant beans are soaked overnight, then slowly baked with onions, garlic, celery, parsley, and a touch of oregano in a tomato-based sauce.
This recipe follows the classic method: first parboil the beans until just tender, then bake them in the oven with olive oil and vegetables so they absorb all the flavors. The result is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Soak the gigantes beans in plenty of cold water overnight. The next day, drain them in a colander and rinse well under running water.
- Place the beans in a large pot, cover them with fresh cold water, add a pinch of sea salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, until the beans are tender but not fully cooked. Drain well and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, combine the olive oil, finely chopped onion, and the whole peeled garlic clove. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the onion softens and takes on a light golden color.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the drained gigantes beans, the chopped parsley, celery, and ½ cup of hot water. Season with salt and pepper, stir gently, and return to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Take the dish out again and lightly mash the beans with a wooden spoon. Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or grated fresh tomatoes), add the oregano, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Bake for another 50–60 minutes, until the beans are very tender and the sauce has thickened.
- (Alternative quicker method) After soaking overnight, drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, bring them to a boil for 5 minutes, then drain. Transfer to a baking dish, add all ingredients, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F for about 2 hours. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.
💡 Tips
- For extra flavor, you can sauté a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions before adding the beans.
- Serve with crusty bread and a slab of feta cheese for a classic Greek meal.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day; store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze.
Inspired by a recipe from My Greek Dish