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Gigantes Plaki: Greek Lima Beans with Stewed Tomatoes

A nice entrée for a Sunday dinner, this dish will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering Mediterranean aromas as it bakes. Gigantes plaki is a classic Greek dish that uses large lima beans, tomatoes, and a handful of other simple ingredients to create a rich and warming produce-packed stew. The giant beans are set to soak overnight so they get nice and plump, while an herb-infused tomato sauce simmers on the stovetop. Combine both elements in a casserole dish, bake, and serve alongside crusty whole wheat bread or a leafy green salad for an easy and unforgettable meal.

Tip: If you don’t have time to soak and cook dried lima beans, substitute two 15-oz. cans of butter beans (another name for large lima beans).

For more vegan Greek recipes, check out these tasty ideas:

By Katie Simmons,

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry large lima beans (8 oz.)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 28-oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  • Place beans in a bowl. Add enough water to cover beans by 3 inches. Soak overnight. (Beans will double or triple in size.)
  • Drain soaked beans; rinse and drain again. Place beans in a medium saucepan. Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 50 to 70 minutes or until beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain.
  • In a large saucepan cook onion, covered, over medium-high 7 minutes or until onion starts to brown around the edges, stirring occasionally and adding water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, as needed to prevent sticking. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and 3 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until thickened, skimming off and discarding any foam that rises to the surface.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Fold beans into tomato sauce; stir in salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake 1 hour. Remove foil; bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil (if using).
Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup): 107 calories, 21 g carbohydrates, 6.2 g protein, 0.5 g total fat, 0.1 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 85 mg sodium, 6.9 g fiber, 6 g sugar

Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.

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About the Author

Headshot of Katie Simmons

About the Author

Katie Simmons

Chef Katie Simmons is a personal chef based in Chicago. She specializes in creating delicious, healthy recipes for those with special concerns including gluten-free, oil-free, plant-based, and low-residue diets. Outside of the kitchen, she is a fitness instructor for Equinox, with over 13 years experience in the fitness industry. Learn more at her Plants-Rule website, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
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