Greek cuisine is known for its flavorful and wholesome dishes, and one of the most beloved and traditional recipes is the Greek beans recipe for gigantes. This dish is made with giant white beans, also known as gigantes, cooked in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce. It is a perfect example of the Mediterranean diet, which is praised for its health benefits and delicious flavors. In this article, we will explore the history and ingredients of this iconic Greek dish and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Kosher Salt, Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
If you're a fan of Greek cuisine and love the classic flavors of feta cheese and tangy olives, then this recipe is a must-try for you. These tender gigantes beans are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist on the traditional beer can chicken.
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Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Chili
Main Ingredients: Boneless And Skinless Chicken Breast, Giant White
For those busy weeknights when you don't have time to stand over the stove, this slow cooker recipe is a lifesaver. Tender chicken, hearty beans, and flavorful Greek spices come together to create a delicious and comforting chili that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Pressure’s On! Greek-Style Instant Pot Gigantes Beans
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Kosher Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you own an Instant Pot, then you know how convenient and quick it can make meal prep. This recipe takes advantage of the pressure cooking feature to create a flavorful and hearty dish of gigantes beans, cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time.
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Big Greek Beans baked in a Bodacious Red Sauce
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Sweet Onion, Large Carrots, Garlic
This recipe is all about big, bold flavors. The gigantes beans are baked in a spicy red sauce that's packed with herbs and spices, giving them a satisfying kick that pairs perfectly with a cold beer. Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping, and you've got a hearty and delicious meal.
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(Greek Baked White Beans in Tomato Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Olive Oil, Onion, Cloves, Tomato Sauce
For a more traditional take on the classic Greek dish, try this recipe for baked white beans in tomato sauce. The beans are cooked until tender in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with garlic, oregano, and a touch of cinnamon for a unique twist. Top it off with some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish.
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Pressure Cooker Vegetable Soup with Giant White Beans,...
Main Ingredients: Giant White Beans, Water, Bay Leaves, Garlic Cloves
This hearty vegetable soup is perfect for those chilly nights when you're craving something warm and comforting. The addition of giant white beans adds a heartiness and protein boost to the dish, while the pressure cooker ensures that everything cooks quickly and stays flavorful.
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Green Bean Salad with Greek Olives and Feta Cheese
Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Beans, Red Onion, Pitted Kalamata
This salad is a refreshing and light option for those hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven. Tender green beans are tossed with tangy Greek olives, creamy feta cheese, and a simple vinaigrette for a dish that's bursting with flavor and perfect for a picnic or potluck.
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Quick & Easy Italian Three-Bean Salad
Main Ingredients: S W Garbanzo Beans, S W Kidney Beans, S W White Beans
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal, this three-bean salad is the answer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful and protein-packed dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
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Greek Chickpea Salad + Tzatziki Dressing
Main Ingredients: English Cucumbers, Yellow Bell Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes
This salad is a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. The combination of chickpeas, cucumber, and tomatoes creates a hearty and satisfying dish, while the homemade tzatziki dressing adds a creamy and tangy element to tie it all together.
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Spanish Gigante Bean Salad
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Bay Leaf, Fresh Thyme, Garlic, Shallots
Take a trip to Spain with this delicious and simple bean salad. The gigante beans are mixed with bell peppers, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing for a dish that's bursting with flavor and perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic.
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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 is packed with a variety of flavors and textures. The combination of beets, pickles, beans, and carrots creates a dish that's both tangy and sweet, making it a great side dish for any meal.
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One-pot Vegetable Morrocan Stew with cilantro crema...
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Sesame Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Stock
For a taste of Morocco, try this flavorful and hearty vegetable stew. The gigante beans add a creamy element to the dish, while the spices and cilantro crema give it a unique and delicious twist. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Pizza Beans / Tomato and Gigante Bean Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Large Onion, Celery Stalks, Carrots, Salt
If you're a fan of pizza, then this recipe is a must-try. The gigante beans are cooked in a tomato sauce that's packed with all the classic pizza flavors, like garlic, oregano, and mozzarella cheese. Top it off with some fresh basil for a dish that's both comforting and delicious.
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Gigante Global Pulse Day Soup
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Water, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leaf, Red Pepper
Celebrate Global Pulse Day with this flavorful and healthy soup. The gigante beans are cooked with a variety of vegetables and spices, creating a dish that's both nutritious and delicious. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Herbed Corona Beans + Marinated Mushrooms on Garlic...
Main Ingredients: Gigante Beans, Shallot, Bay Leaves, Salt, Anchovy
This dish is all about the marinated mushrooms. The gigante beans are cooked with a simple herb blend, while the marinated mushrooms add a tangy and flavorful element to the dish. Serve it over garlic toast for a unique and tasty meal.
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Ghee-Roasted Carrots & Lentils with Smoky Green Sauce
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Ghee, Sauce, Green Lentils, Giant White Beans
This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients and bold flavors. The lentils and gigante beans create a hearty base, while the ghee-roasted carrots add a touch of sweetness. The smoky green sauce ties everything together for a dish that's both healthy and delicious.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with White Beans
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Rolled Oats, Ground Flax, Coconut Sugar
Yes, you read that right. These cookies are made with white beans for a healthier twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie. They're soft, chewy, and packed with protein, making them the perfect guilt-free treat.
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Chunky Vegetable Harissa Stew
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Large Garlic Cloves
This flavorful and spicy stew is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. The gigante beans and a variety of vegetables are simmered in a harissa-infused broth for a dish that's both hearty and satisfying. Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
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Sausage And Beans Skillet
Main Ingredients: Chicken Sausages, Gigante Beans, Canned Whole Tomatoes
This one-skillet meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't want to spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning up. The gigante beans are cooked with flavorful sausage and a variety of vegetables for a dish that's both filling and delicious.
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Gigantes Plaki - Tender Greek Roasted Beans in Tomato...
Main Ingredients: Gigantes, Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onions, Tomato
Last but definitely not least, this classic Greek dish is a must-try for any fan of beer can chicken. The gigante beans are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a dish that's bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
The History of Greek Beans Recipe Gigantes
The Origin of Gigantes Beans
The origins of gigantes beans can be traced back to ancient Greece, where they were cultivated and consumed for their large size and nutritional value. These beans were a staple in the Greek diet and were often used in religious ceremonies and festivals. It is said that the Greek god Apollo himself was a fan of gigantes beans and considered them a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
The Evolution of Greek Beans Recipe Gigantes
Over the years, the Greek beans recipe for gigantes has evolved and adapted to the changing times and tastes. Traditionally, the dish was made with simple ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and herbs, but nowadays, you can find variations that include meat, vegetables, and different seasonings. Despite the changes, the essence of the dish remains the same – a hearty and comforting meal that brings people together.
The Ingredients You Need
To make the perfect Greek beans recipe for gigantes, you will need a few simple and fresh ingredients. The star of the dish, of course, is the gigantes beans, which can be found in most Mediterranean and specialty stores. You will also need tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, herbs like oregano and parsley, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. With these ingredients, you will be able to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will impress your taste buds.
How to Make Greek Beans Recipe Gigantes
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to put them together and make the famous Greek beans recipe for gigantes. The first step is to soak the beans overnight, which will help to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Then, you will need to sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Next, add the tomatoes and herbs, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the beans and let them cook until they are tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. Serve the gigantes beans hot with some crusty bread and feta cheese for a truly authentic Greek experience.
To sum it up, the Greek beans recipe for gigantes is a delicious and nutritious dish that has stood the test of time. It is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Greek cuisine. So why not gather your friends and family and share a hearty meal together with this iconic dish? Your taste buds will thank you.
