Gigantes Plaki (Giant Beans)


 

Gigantes Plaki (Giant Beans)

 

Bake: approximately 2 hours

Prep: 25 min

Serves: 6

 Any big white beans may be used to make this recipe. Plaki is a slow cooking technique involving baking the beans in the oven with tomatoes, herbs, olive oil and lemon juice. May add feta. Check out the URL for more information regarding different white beans and faster cooking techniques.

 

1-pound dried large white beans

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 lemon, juiced

2 carrots, chopped

1-15 ounce can tomato sauce

1 celery, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Parsley, chopped

 

 

Rinse beans until water is clear; remove any deformed beans. Soak beans overnight, slightly covered in water and baking soda. Beans will increase 2-3 times in size. Sauté carrots, celery, onion in olive oil for about 5 minutes in a large oven-proof pan. Dilute tomato sauce and tomato paste in 3/4 cup water and mix in dill, lemon juice and add sauteed vegetables. Salt and pepper to taste. Add beans and cook over high heat on the stove top for 5 minutes. Add beans to sauce and bake for 1-2 hours at 4000 F until sauce thickens and beans are soft and tender (not mushy). Check beans every 10-15 minutes and add ½ cup water as needed. Do not let the beans dry out while baking. Garnish with parsley.

 



Greek Giant Beans 


Rancho Gordo Royal Corona White Beans

 

Sometimes Big White Beas are Known as Lima Beans 

May Use Any Dried, Big White Bean

https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/what-are-lima-beans-aka-butter-beans/


Why Soak Beans Overnight

Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda per pound when soaking beans overnight to:

  • Reduce cooking time 
(https://www.seriouseats.com/baking-soda-brine-for-beans-5217841)

  • Increase digestibility 
(https://www.eatingwell.com/article/14576/the-weird-reason-you-should-be-adding-baking-soda-to-your-beans/#:~:text=It'll%20Make%20You%20Less,was%20absorbed%20by%20the%20legumes)

  • Achieve a creamy texture
http://awesomecookery.com/2018/09/26/cooking-beans-with-soda-and-salt/

  • Helps old beans

Time Saver and Energy Saving Tips

1. Huge time saver from Trader Joe's. 






Slow Cooker Tips Using Above Recipe 



Gigantes Cooked in a Crock-Pot




Pressure Cooker Steps Using Above Recipe
  1. Pressure cook soaked beans prepared as above on high pressure for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Natural release  for at least 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove pressure cooker lid.  The beans should be tender. In the pressure cooker pot bake at 350°F. Leave the lid off (or use the air fryer lid if you prefer a browned top) and let the sauce thicken and reduce for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are glossy and tender.

When using Pressure Cooker, please follow the directions regarding your brand of pressure cooker. 

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