Gigandes Plaki with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried giant white beans 2 cups (400g) dried giant white beans
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 roasted red peppers, sliced 2 roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked beans, diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Gigandes Plaki hot, sprinkled with crumbled feta cheese on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried giant white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
• Roasted red peppers — You can use store-bought roasted red peppers or roast them yourself for a smokier flavor. Remove the skin and seeds before slicing.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Crumble it just before serving to preserve its texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce.
• Serve Gigandes Plaki with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Customize the dish by adding other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors develop even further.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a burst of freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Gigandes Plaki as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread and a fresh Greek salad. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

Present Gigandes Plaki in a rustic clay pot or a deep serving dish. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.