Slow-Simmered Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce
Gigantes beans gently cooked in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and finished with a splash of olive oil. This greek-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 110 minutes blends olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, medium, diced carrot into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried gigantes beans (giant butter beans)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 1, diced celery stalk
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 cup dried gigantes beans in cold water overnight, then drain and rinse.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add the soaked beans, 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups water, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 90 minutes until beans are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm drizzled with extra olive oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (10 min prep + 100 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow-Simmered Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.