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Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Giant Beans)

Gigantes plaki—Greek giant beans slow-baked in tomato sauce with olive oil and herbs. A taverna classic that's vegan and gluten-free.

vegetarian vegan gluten free dairy free
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Prep 20 min
Cook 1h 30m
Total 1h 50m
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.

  2. Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or deep baking dish over medium heat. Add onion and cook 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, half the parsley, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and water. Stir to combine.

  5. Gently fold in beans, being careful not to break them.

    Tip: Handle giant beans gently—they're tender and break easily.

  6. Drizzle remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over the top.

  7. Cover and bake 45 minutes.

  8. Uncover and bake another 30-45 minutes until sauce is thick and top is lightly browned.

  9. Let rest 10 minutes. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

Storage & Meal Prep

Gigantes plaki keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually improves overnight as the beans absorb more sauce. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C / 320°F for 15 minutes, or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

  • Gigantes Plaki with Roasted Peppers: Add 2 roasted red peppers, sliced, along with the tomatoes for a sweeter, smokier sauce.
  • Spicy Gigantes: Add 1 tsp Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes and 1 tbsp tomato paste for a spicier, more concentrated version.
  • Gigantes with Spinach: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra greens.

FAQ

What is gigantes plaki?

Gigantes plaki is a traditional Greek dish of giant white beans slow-baked in a rich tomato sauce with olive oil and herbs. The name means 'giant beans in the oven' — it's one of the most popular dishes in Greek tavernas and a staple of Greek home cooking.

How do you cook gigantes plaki?

The beans are first folded into a tomato sauce with olive oil, onion, garlic, and herbs, then baked low and slow (about 90 minutes) until the sauce thickens and the top caramelizes slightly. The long baking is what makes this dish special.

Where can I buy gigantes beans?

Giant white beans (gigantes) are available at Greek or Mediterranean grocery stores, online specialty shops, and some well-stocked supermarkets. Large butter beans or corona beans are good substitutes if you can't find true gigantes.

Can I use canned beans for gigantes plaki?

Yes, canned giant white beans or butter beans work well and save significant time. Drain and rinse them, then fold gently into the sauce. The baking time remains the same — it's about developing the sauce, not cooking the beans.

Is gigantes plaki vegan?

Yes, traditional gigantes plaki is naturally vegan. It uses olive oil instead of butter, and the richness comes from the slow-baked tomato sauce and the beans themselves.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings

Customize Ingredients

Legumes
Giant White Beans (Gigantes)
360 g
Vegetables
Red Onion
143 g
Garlic
12 g
Tomato (Red, Ripe)
794 g
Tomato Paste
32 g
Oils & Fats
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
81 g
Herbs & Spices
Fresh Parsley
32 g
Dried Oregano
1 g
Salt
6 g
Black Pepper
1 g
Sweeteners
White Sugar
4.2 g
Liquids
Water
119 g

Per Serving

314kcalCalories
12gProtein
36gCarbs
14gFat
10gFiber
Sodium
38mg2% DV
Potassium
896mg19% DV
Calcium
76mg6% DV
Iron
3.2mg18% DV
Magnesium
74mg18% DV
Vitamin C
22.3mg25% DV
Vitamin A
59µg7% DV
Vitamin K
24µg20% DV
Folate
116µg29% DV
Giant White Beans (Gigantes)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Red Onion
Garlic
Tomato (Red, Ripe)
Tomato Paste
+6 more
* Nutrition is an estimate; actual values vary by ingredient brands and cooking methods. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The Story Behind This Dish

Walk into any Greek taverna and you’ll find gigantes plaki on the menu. These giant beans, slow-baked until the tomato sauce thickens and concentrates, are the kind of plant-based meal that meat-lovers actually crave.

The key is patience. The long baking time allows the beans to absorb the sauce and develop a rich, almost creamy texture.

What Is Gigantes Plaki?

Gigantes plaki (γίγαντες πλακί) literally translates to “giant beans in the oven.” It’s one of Greece’s most beloved ladera dishes—the family of olive oil-based, slow-cooked vegetable recipes that form the backbone of everyday Greek cooking.

You’ll find it served warm or at room temperature alongside crusty bread, as part of a meze spread, or as a main dish on its own. It’s the kind of food that proves plant-based eating doesn’t mean eating less—it means eating differently.

Tips for Perfect Gigantes Plaki

  • Handle the beans gently. Giant beans are tender and break easily. Fold, don’t stir.
  • Don’t skip the uncovered baking. The last 30-45 minutes without a lid is what creates the thick, caramelized sauce and slightly golden top.
  • Let it rest. Like lasagna, gigantes plaki tastes better after sitting for 10 minutes. The sauce thickens as it cools slightly.
  • Serve at room temperature or warm. Greeks often serve this dish at room temperature, which brings out the flavors beautifully.