Gigandes plaki


Gigandes plaki, also spelled gigantes or yigandes is a Greek dish known in English as giant baked beans. The name Gigantes comes from the Greek word for giants, hence giant beans. Gigandes plaki is a vegetarian meze dish that consists of large dried white beans cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

Cooking methods

The dish is made with dried giant white beans, tomatoes, onions, olive oil, parsley, and sugar. When fasolia gigandes cannot be obtained, large lima beans are suitable substitutes. Other vegetables such as garlic, carrots, and celery are sometimes used, and some rustic recipes add sausages or cubed smoked pork.
The beans are first soaked, then boiled until tender and drained, and the rest of ingredients are added. The aromatics are sautéed to make a sofrito and mixed with the beans. Then the beans are baked until the top layer of the dish is browned. The dish may be served at room temperature or warm.

Serving methods

Gigandes plaki are often served at room temperature as part of a meze. They are also served as a main course. It is particularly popular in the fall and winter. Gigandes are often served with feta cheese and a slice of home-made bread.