Gigante beans are a staple in Greek cuisine, known for their creamy texture and rich flavor. These large white beans are often used in traditional dishes such as Gigantes Plaki, a hearty baked bean dish that is perfect for cooler weather. However, gigante beans can also be used in a variety of other dishes, making them a versatile ingredient to have in your pantry. In this article, we will dive into the world of gigante beans and explore a delicious recipe that will have you craving for more.
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Bay Leaves, Coarse Salt, Ground Pepper
If you're looking for a new and delicious way to cook chicken, try using beer can chicken! This cooking method involves standing a whole chicken on top of a partially filled beer can and grilling or roasting it. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken that will have your taste buds singing. But why stop at just the traditional beer can chicken? Here are 20 delicious and creative ways to take your beer can chicken game to the next level with the addition of gigante beans.
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Greek-Style Gigantes Beans with Feta
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Kosher Salt, Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
This Greek-inspired dish combines the classic flavors of gigante beans and feta cheese with the juicy and tender chicken from beer can cooking. The beans are cooked in a tangy tomato sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve this dish with a side of pita bread for a complete meal that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
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Pressure’s On! Greek-Style Instant Pot Gigantes Beans
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Kosher Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Short on time? No problem! This recipe uses an Instant Pot to cook the gigante beans to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove. The chicken is then cooked on the grill for that classic beer can chicken taste. The combination of the tender chicken and creamy beans will have you coming back for seconds.
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Big Greek Beans baked in a Bodacious Red Sauce
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Sweet Onion, Large Carrots, Garlic
This dish takes the traditional gigante beans and elevates them with a bold and flavorful red sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of tomatoes, red wine, onions, and spices, giving the beans a rich and hearty taste. The chicken is then cooked on top of the beans, infusing them with even more flavor. This is a perfect dish for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Chili
Main Ingredients: Boneless And Skinless Chicken Breast, Giant White
If you love chili and beer can chicken, then this recipe is a match made in heaven. The chicken is cooked in a tangy and spicy chili sauce, infusing it with all of the flavors of a classic chili. The gigante beans add a hearty and creamy texture to the dish, making it a filling and delicious meal that is perfect for a chilly day.
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(Greek Baked White Beans in Tomato Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Olive Oil, Onion, Cloves, Tomato Sauce
This dish is a simple and classic way to enjoy gigante beans and beer can chicken. The beans are cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce and topped with the juicy and tender chicken. This is a great dish to serve at a family dinner or to meal prep for the week ahead.
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Pizza Beans / Tomato and Gigante Bean Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Large Onion, Celery Stalks, Carrots, Salt
Who says you can't have pizza and beer can chicken at the same time? This recipe combines the two by using gigante beans as the base of a pizza-like dish. The beans are topped with a tangy tomato sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings before being cooked in the oven with the chicken. The result is a unique and delicious meal that will satisfy both pizza and beer can chicken lovers.
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Gigante Bean Salad
Main Ingredients: Leaves, Gigante Beans, Dried Tomatoes, Dressing, Basil
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier way to enjoy gigante beans and beer can chicken, try this salad recipe. The beans are combined with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal. The chicken is cooked on the grill and served on top of the salad, providing a delicious and protein-packed addition.
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Spanish Gigante Bean Salad
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Bay Leaf, Fresh Thyme, Garlic, Shallots
Take your taste buds on a trip to Spain with this flavorful and colorful gigante bean salad. The beans are mixed with Spanish chorizo, roasted red peppers, and a sherry vinaigrette for a tangy and savory dish. The chicken is cooked on top of the beans, making this a complete meal that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
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Gigante Global Pulse Day Soup
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leaf, Red Pepper
Looking for a hearty and nutritious soup recipe? Look no further than this gigante bean and chicken soup. The beans are cooked with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it a flavorful and filling dish. The chicken is added at the end and cooked until tender, infusing the soup with even more flavor. This is a great dish to make in bulk and freeze for later meals.
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Gigante Beans a la Zaytinya
Main Ingredients: Giant White Beans, Olive Oil, Purple Onion, Garlic
This dish is inspired by the famous Zaytinya restaurant in Washington D.C. The gigante beans are cooked in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce and topped with a tender and juicy beer can chicken. The combination of flavors in this dish will have you feeling like you're dining at a fancy restaurant in the comfort of your own home.
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Pressure Cooker Vegetable Soup with Giant White Beans,...
Main Ingredients: Giant White Beans, Water, Bay Leaves, Garlic Cloves
Another great soup recipe that combines gigante beans and beer can chicken. This dish is made in a pressure cooker, making it a quick and easy meal for any night of the week. The beans and chicken are cooked with a variety of vegetables and herbs, resulting in a delicious and healthy soup that the whole family will love.
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Butter beans, Lima beans, and Fava beans
Main Ingredients: Giant White Beans, Parsley, Green Onions, Cherry
If you want to mix things up, try using different types of beans in your beer can chicken recipes. Butter beans, lima beans, and fava beans are all great options that will add unique flavors and textures to your dishes. Mix and match with gigante beans to create your own delicious and creative recipes.
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Sausage And Beans Skillet
Main Ingredients: Chicken Sausages, Gigante Beans, Canned Whole Tomatoes
This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The gigante beans are cooked with sausage, onions, and tomatoes, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. The chicken is cooked on top of the beans, infusing them with all of the flavors of the sausage. Serve this dish with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Russian Salad with Beets, Pickles, Beans and Carrots...
Main Ingredients: Diced Pickles, Carrots, Beets, Gigante Beans, Dill
This unique and colorful salad combines gigante beans with beets, pickles, and carrots for a tangy and refreshing dish. The chicken is cooked on the grill and served on top of the salad, adding a protein boost to this vegetarian-friendly meal. This is a great dish to bring to a potluck or to enjoy as a light lunch.
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Herbed Corona Beans + Marinated Mushrooms on Garlic...
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Shallot, Bay Leaves, Salt, Anchovy
This recipe takes gigante beans to the next level by using herbed corona beans, a smaller variety of white beans. The beans are cooked in a garlic and herb marinade and topped with marinated mushrooms for a burst of flavor in every bite. The chicken is cooked on top of the beans, making this a complete and tasty meal.
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Gigante Bean Meze'
Main Ingredients: Giant White Beans, Shallots, Flat Leaf Parsley
This dish is inspired by the traditional Greek meze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers. The gigante beans are prepared in a tangy and flavorful tomato sauce and served alongside other meze dishes such as olives, feta cheese, and pita bread. The chicken is cooked on the grill and served on top of the beans, making this a perfect dish for a summer party or a casual dinner with friends.
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One-pot Vegetable Morrocan Stew with cilantro crema...
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Sesame Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Stock
This hearty and aromatic stew is packed with vegetables, spices, and gigante beans for a filling and delicious meal. The chicken is cooked on top of the stew, infusing it with all of the flavors and creating a tender and juicy meat. Top this dish off with a dollop of cilantro crema for a burst of freshness and flavor.
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Ghee-Roasted Carrots & Lentils with Smoky Green Sauce
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Ghee, Sauce, Green Lentils, Giant White Beans
This vegetarian-friendly dish combines gigante beans with lentils and carrots for a hearty and protein-packed meal. The chicken is cooked on top of the beans and vegetables, creating a delicious and flavorful dish. The smoky green sauce adds a unique and flavorful twist to this recipe, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
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Gigantes Plaki - Tender Greek Roasted Beans in Tomato...
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onions, Tomato
This dish is a Greek classic that combines gigante beans with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The chicken is roasted on top of the beans, infusing them with all of the flavors and creating a tender and juicy meat. Serve this dish with some crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a taste of Greece in every bite.
What are Gigante Beans?
Gigante beans, also known as elephant beans, are a type of white bean that is native to Greece. They are large, flat, and kidney-shaped, with a smooth and creamy texture. These beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Gigante beans are often sold dried and can be found in most specialty food stores or online.
Health Benefits of Gigante Beans
Not only are gigante beans delicious, but they also offer numerous health benefits. They are high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote satiety. Additionally, these beans are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Incorporating gigante beans into your diet can help support overall health and well-being.
How to Prepare Gigante Beans
Before using gigante beans in a recipe, they need to be soaked overnight in water. This will help soften the beans and reduce their cooking time. Once soaked, drain the beans and rinse them before using. Gigante beans can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, pressure cooking, or baking. They have a mild flavor, making them a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Greek Gigante Beans Recipe
Now that you know a little more about gigante beans let's dive into a traditional Greek recipe that will leave your taste buds wanting more. This Gigantes Plaki recipe is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried gigante beans
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Soak the gigante beans in water overnight.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and salt and pepper to the pot, and stir to combine.
Add the soaked and drained gigante beans to the pot and stir to coat them in the tomato mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Gigantes Plaki with a side of crusty bread and a Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish also reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Give this recipe a try and discover the deliciousness of gigante beans for yourself.
In Conclusion
Gigante beans are a versatile and healthy ingredient that should not be overlooked. Whether you use them in traditional Greek dishes or experiment with them in your own recipes, these beans are sure to add a delicious and nutritious touch to any meal. So, the next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying dish, consider trying out this Gigantes Plaki recipe. Your taste buds will thank you.
