Gigantes plaki

Gigantes Plaki

Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish that features giant beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It is a popular vegetarian dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. In this article, we will explore the origins of Gigantes Plaki, its ingredients, and the steps to prepare this delicious dish.

Origins

Gigantes Plaki is a dish that originates from Greek cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the region of Greece known as Thessaly, where the cultivation of giant beans is common. The dish has since become popular throughout Greece and is often served as a main course or as part of a mezze platter.

Ingredients

To prepare Gigantes Plaki, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of giant beans (also known as elephant beans or butter beans)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Preparation

Follow these steps to prepare Gigantes Plaki:

1. Soak the giant beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften them and reduce the cooking time. 2. Drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly. 3. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened. 4. Add the soaked beans to the pot and stir well to combine with the vegetables. 5. Pour in the can of chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to coat the beans and vegetables. 6. Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. 7. Cover the pot and simmer the mixture over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. 8. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. 9. Once the Gigantes Plaki is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving

Gigantes Plaki can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It is often enjoyed with crusty bread or served alongside other Greek dishes such as Greek salad or tzatziki. It can also be topped with crumbled feta cheese for added flavor.

See Also

• Greek Cuisine
• Mezze
• Butter Beans