Slow-Simmered Gigantes Plaki with Herb Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Giant butter beans braised slowly in a vibrant tomato sauce scented with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs for a hearty vegetarian Greek stew. This Greek recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 135 minutes, pairs dried gigantes beans, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and soak 1 lb dried gigantes beans overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Place soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, heat 4 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté for 7 minutes until vegetables soften.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp sugar, 1 bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beans to the pot and pour in 4 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and beans absorb the flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Adjust seasoning and serve warm with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Gigantes Plaki with Herb Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Gigantes Plaki with Herb Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried gigantes beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Gigantes Plaki with Herb 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 Plaki with Herb Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Plaki with Herb Tomato Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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