Traditional Gigantes Plaki Recipe—A Hearty Taste of Greek Comfort

Try this traditional Gigantes Plaki recépé for Greek baked giant beans in tomato sauce. A hearty, plant-based Mediterranean meal full of flavor and comfort.

A Dish That Feels Like Home

Have you ever longed for a meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor with every bite? That’s exactly what Gigantes Plaki offers—a traditional Greek baked giant bean dish that feels like a comforting embrace. Whether you’re exploring plant-based meals, Mediterranean cuisine, or simply looking for a healthy yet satisfying dinner idea, this recipe checks all the boxes. With tender beans, a rich tomato base, and a touch of herbs and olive oil, Gigantes Plaki isn’t just food—it’s an experience of tradition, flavor, and simplicity that speaks to your soul.

What Is Gigantes Plaki?

Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish made with giant white beans baked in a tomato-based sauce. The word “Gigantes” refers to the massive size of the beans used—typically Greek butter beans or large lima beans—while “Plaki” describes the method of slow baking in a savory sauce. This dish is a cornerstone of Greek home cooking and often makes an appearance during fasting periods due to its entirely plant-based ingredients.

You may not have grown up eating this rustic dish, but it’s one of those recipes that instantly feels familiar. It brings together everything your taste buds crave: savory, herbaceous, slightly sweet from the tomatoes, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Gigantes Plaki Recipe

You’re going to fall in love with this dish for more than one reason:

• Totally plant-based: Perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
• Full of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and protein.
• Flavorful and filling thanks to the slow baking process.
• Ideal for preparing meals, it keeps well in storage and tastes even better the following day.
• Budget-friendly: Basic pantry staples come together in a magical way.

Ingredients for Authentic Gigantes Plaki

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beloved Greek comfort food to life:

Basic Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Dried giant beans	1 lb (500g)	Soaked overnight
Olive oil	1/2 cup	Use extra virgin Greek olive oil
Yellow onions	2 medium	Finely chopped
Carrots	2 medium	Peeled and diced
Celery stalks	2	Diced
Garlic cloves	4	Minced
Crushed tomatoes	14 oz can	Or use 2 cups fresh grated tomatoes
Tomato paste	1 tbsp	For depth and richness
Fresh parsley	1/4 cup	Chopped
Dried oregano	1 tsp	Preferably Greek oregano
Bay leaves	2	Adds a subtle earthy aroma
Salt and pepper	To taste	Adjust according to preference
Water or veggie broth	2 cups	For simmering

Optional Add-ins

• Handful of spinach or kale for greens.
• A sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat.
• Crumbled feta on top if you’re not vegan.

How to Make Gigantes Plaki (Step-by-Step)

1. Soak and Pre-Cook the Beans

Before anything else, soak your beans overnight in cold water. This helps them cook evenly and improves digestibility. Place them in a pot of fresh water and rinse them the following day. Before the beans are soft but not mushy, bring to a boil and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes.

2. Create the Flavor Base

In a deep skillet or large saucepan, heat half of your olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft and translucent—about 8 minutes. After the garlic has been added, continue cooking for one more minute.

Now stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for ten to fifteen minutes. This is where the flavors start to deepen and come together.

3. Combine Beans and Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the pre-cooked beans and the tomato mixture. Add the remaining olive oil and enough water or broth to just cover the beans. Stir gently to mix.

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish and bake it for forty-five to sixty minutes. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if it looks too dry. The top should be slightly caramelized, with a rich, thickened sauce surrounding the beans.

5. Garnish and serve.

The dish should be allowed to rest for ten to fifteen minutes before it is served. Garnish with chopped parsley or crumbled feta. Pair it with warm pita, rustic bread, or a crisp side salad.

Tips for the Best Gigantes Plaki

• Soak your beans properly: An 8–12 hour soak improves texture.
• Use good olive oil: the flavor matters.
• Let it rest: Don’t skip this step; it enhances the taste.
• Double the batch: It freezes beautifully and gets better over time.
• Customize: Add veggies or spices that suit your palate.

Nutritional Benefits of Greek Baked Giant Beans

Eating Gigantes Plaki isn’t just delicious—it’s good for your body, too. Here’s why:

• High fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and satiety.
• Protein-rich: Especially important if you follow a plant-based diet.
• Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil provides monounsaturated fatty acids.
• Low in cholesterol and sugar: ideal for a balanced lifestyle.

Fun fact: Mediterranean diets are associated with lower risks of heart disease and longer life expectancy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

What to Serve With Gigantes Plaki:

• Warm pita or sourdough bread
• Classic Greek salad (Horiatiki)
• A handful of Kalamata olives
• Tzatziki or hummus?

Make It a Meal:

• Serve with roasted vegetables.
• Add a grilled plant-based sausage.
• Serve a little bowl of lentil soup to begin.

FAQs About Gigantes Plaki Recipe

What beans can I substitute for Gigantes?

In the event that you are unable to find Greek gigantes, butter beans or large lima beans are excellent alternatives to consider.

Can I make this Gigantes Plaki recipe ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s even more flavorful the next day. Keeping it in the refrigerator in a container that is airtight is the best way to ensure that it remains fresh.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely! Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Use a microwave or oven to gently reheat and thaw.

Can I use canned beans?

You can, but dried beans provide better texture and absorb flavors more deeply. If using canned, rinse well and reduce baking time by 15–20 minutes.

Conclusion: Savor the Simplicity

In a world full of complicated meals and fleeting food trends, Gigantes Plaki stands out as a timeless dish that brings comfort, nutrition, and culture to your table. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of Greek home cooking. You don’t need to be Greek or a professional chef to enjoy it—just a bit of time, simple ingredients, and an open heart.

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean taverna? Roll up your sleeves, soak those beans, and bake your way to one of the most rewarding meals you’ll ever taste

• #GigantesPlaki
• #GreekFood
• #MediterraneanDiet
• #VeganGreekRecipes
• #PlantBasedDinner
• #ComfortFood