Slow-Simmered Lemony Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Large butter beans cooked slowly in a rich tomato sauce with fresh lemon and herbs, a traditional Greek vegetarian delight. This greek-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 135 minutes blends dried gigantes beans, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried gigantes beans and soak in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 1 diced carrot, sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked beans, 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lemony Gigantes Beans in Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Lemony 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 Lemony 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 Lemony 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 Lemony Gigantes Beans in 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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