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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

Gigantes Plaki

Updated: May 23, 2025 · Published: Jul 20, 2021 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 23 Comments

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Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian
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A bowl of gigantes plaki with a text title overlay.

If you have not heard of Gigantes Plaki before, then you are in for a treat. It is a Greek dish that translated to 'giant baked beans', but this is our quick stove top version (with oven instructions too) for a quick and easy dinner that is bursting with flavour. Creamy butter beans in a rich tomato sauce topped with plenty of fresh herbs and feta.

A bowl of gigantes plaki next to a blue towel.

I want to star this off by saying this isn't the traditional way of cooking Gigantes Plaki, as it would usually be done in an oven and cooked over a longer period of time.

We have included the instructions for that too, but this is our 15 minute version. We love Greek flavours, but we also don't have a lot of time.

Speaking of our love of Greek food - have you tried our Greek Meze Platter, Baked Feta, Easy Greek Rice, Greek Chicken Skewers or Greek Pizza?

This is a hearty meat-free dish that is bursting with Greek flavours and requires very little preparation. Easy to adapt with different vegetables (although, this would make it less traditional) and easy to make vegan too.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Bean Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • Easy - Just a few store cupboard ingredients is all it takes to make this recipe and then the options for some fresh ingredients on top. Sometimes simple food is the best.
  • Quick - The traditional version of this would be done in the oven and cook low and slow. We wanted these beans as quickly as possible, so we made a cheats version on the hob and it's ready in just 15 minutes. You can do it in the oven if you have more time though.
  • Protein packed - The butter beans make this a protein packed and filling meal. You can eat it by itself of add some sides to bulk it out even more.
  • Freezes well - This is a good meal to batch cook because it freezes so well. We always make a double portion so we can keep some in the freezer for busy days.

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Butterbeans - This is the bulk ingredient of Gigantes Plaki and what makes it so protein packed. If you haven't had butterbeans before, you are missing out. They are so creamy and delicious - and excellent meat-free protein. You could swap them for something like cannellini beans or chickpeas, but it wouldn't be traditional. We used tinned beans to keep this a quick recipe, but you could soak and cook dried beans yourself if you prefer.
  • Shallots - You could use a small brown onion (or even frozen onion), but we really like the sweetness of shallots and it compliments the sweetness of the tomatoes.
  • Garlic - We only used a couple of cloves of garlic, but if you are a garlic lover then feel free to go heavy on the garlic. We used freshly crushed garlic, but you could use frozen if you prefer.
  • Tinned tomatoes - This is the base of the sauce. Try to use the best quality tomatoes that you can, as you really will be able to taste the difference. Inexpensive tinned tomatoes tend to be really watery and you don't want that. You want a nice thick sauce.
  • Tomato puree (paste) - Not only will this help to give a more intense tomato flavour, but it will also thicken the sauce. You could use sundried tomato paste too for even more of a tomato flavour.
  • Stock - We used vegetable stock to keep this dish vegetarian, but you could use chicken stock to add more flavour. If you are making this for young kids then use a low salt stock.
  • Cinnamon - This might seem like a strange addition, but trust us on this. Just a little pinch adds a subtle flavour that goes well with the tomatoes.
  • Herbs - Fresh parsley really lightens up the finished dish. You could swap it for coriander or basil if you prefer, but they aren't the traditional herbs that would be used. We also added some dried thyme and oregano, as they are classic Greek herbs.
  • Feta - Is it even a Greek dish without feta? Okay, so you don't need to add feta on to everything, but it wouldn't hurt, right? The creaminess of the feta pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the butterbeans and the saltiness balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Variations

We wouldn't mess with this recipe too much, as it is a classic Greek dish and it is meant to be simple with just a few ingredients. However, if you wanted to add some vegetables that we would recommend finely diced courgette (zucchini) or aubergine cooked at the same time as the shallots.

If you want to give it a green veggie boost, then adding a couple of handfuls of spinach in towards the end of cooking will make this dish more nutrient dense.

Step by Step Instructions

Two shot collage of onions and tomato puree cooking in a pan.
  1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pan and then add the shallots and garlic. Soften for 2-3 minutes (a) and then add the tomato puree and stir into the shallots (b).
Two shot collage of beans and seasoning added to the pan, then chopped tomatoes.
  1. Step 2: Add the butterbeans, seasoning and herbs and cinnamon (a) and then add the tinned tomatoes (b) and stir.
Stock added to the pan.
  1. Step 3: Add the stock and then cook on a simmer for 10 minutes.
Everything transferred to a bowl and topped with feta and parsley.
  1. Step 4: Transfer to a large bowl (a) and top with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta (b).

Serving Suggestions

This is a really filling dish on its own. However, you need something to scoop up all that delicious sauce with, right? Some pitta bread or chunks of crusty bread would be perfect.

Or, if you fancy making something from scratch to go alongside this, why not try our Easy Flatbread Recipe?

Crumbled feta and chopped parsley on top of cooked beans.

Extra Tips

  • Try to use the best quality tinned tomatoes that you can, as they are the base of the sauce. Inexpensive tomatoes are too watery and you get a thin sauce rather than the rich thick one that we are going for.
  • We also like added in some chopped kalamata olives which really boost those Greek flavours.
  • You can swap the parsley for dill, which you will also find in a lot of Greek cuisine.
Gigantes plaki topped with feta and parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store Gigantes Plaki

If you have leftovers of this then you can put it in an air tight container in the fridge and it will keep for 2 days.

Can you freeze Gigantes Plaki?

Yes, this freezes well. The beans don't quite have the same texture once they are defrosted, but it is still delicious. Just make sure that it has fully cooled and then portion it out to freezable containers and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just add the feta and parsley on just before serving.

How to reheat Gigantes Plaki?

You can either reheat this in the microwave for a couple of minutes or you can heat it through on the hot. Make sure it is hot before serving.

Can you make Gigantes Plaki in advance?

Yes, you could make everything in advance and then keep it in the pan with a lid on until later in the day when you are ready to serve - just heat it through.

Can you make Gigantes Plaki in the oven?

Yes, traditionally it would be made in the oven but we wanted to make a quicker version of it. Once you have added all the ingredients to the pan (use an oven safe pan), then put it in a preheated oven at 190°C/375°F/Gas 5 for 30 minutes.

More Bean Recipes

  • Two slices of Mexican Beans on sourdough toast, topped with avocado
    Mexican Beans on Toast
  • Spanish Bean Stew in a bowl next to a spoon, glass of water and slices of bread.
    Spanish Beans
  • White Bean Pasta in a round blue and white serving dish.
    White Bean Pasta
  • A red bowl full of green bean salad.
    Green Bean Salad

If you’ve tried these Greek beans, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A bowl of gigantes plaki.

Gigantes Plaki

By: Dannii Martin
If you have not heard of Gigantes Plaki before, then you are in for a treat. It is a quick and easy dinner that is bursting with flavour.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 24 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Prep: 2 minutes mins
Cook: 13 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 313kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy

Ingredients

  • 400 g (2 cups) Butter beans - drained
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 3 Shallots - peeled and diced
  • 2 Garlic clove - peeled and crushed
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato puree
  • 400 g (2.66 cups) Chopped tomatoes - canned
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 5 g Fresh parsley - finely chopped
  • 40 g (0.25 cups) Feta - crumbled
  • 200ml (0.75 cups) Vegetable stock

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a large pan and then add 3 Shallots and 2 Garlic clove. Soften for 2-3 minutes and then add 2 tablespoon Tomato puree and stir in.
  • Add 400 g Butter beans, 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme, 1 pinch Cinnamon and 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper. Add 400 g Chopped tomatoes and stir.
  • Add 200ml Vegetable stock and then cook on a simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a large bowl and top with 5 g Fresh parsley and 40 g Feta (crumbled).

Recipe Tips

  • Try to use the best quality tinned tomatoes that you can, as they are the base of the sauce. Inexpensive tomatoes are too watery and you get a thin sauce rather than the rich thick one that we are going for.
  • We also like added in some chopped kalamata olives which really boost those Greek flavours.
  • You can swap the parsley for dill, which you will also find in a lot of Greek cuisine.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 1212mg | Potassium: 1060mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 632IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 7mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Katherine says

    July 23, 2021 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    Such great flavors in this bean dish! Yum.

    Reply
  2. Jess says

    July 23, 2021 at 4:47 pm

    5 stars
    I had not heard of this before but I honestly LOVE everything about it!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    July 23, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    5 stars
    These beans are so delicious! I’ve never had this dish before but will definitely be making again!

    Reply
  4. Beth says

    July 23, 2021 at 4:12 pm

    5 stars
    My family just loved these beans! We had them with a lovely grass fed steak and they were the perfect accompaniment! Thanks

    Reply
  5. Gina says

    July 23, 2021 at 12:27 pm

    5 stars
    Love butter beans and this is one of my favorite Greek side dishes when at a Green restaurant, now it's easy to make at home, thank you!

    Reply
  6. Claudia Lamascolo says

    July 23, 2021 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    Butter beans Sound delicious we love Authentic recipes like this one going to try it after I get to the market today! Thanks

    Reply
  7. Katherine says

    July 23, 2021 at 10:26 am

    5 stars
    These beans look incredible. I love the quicker method, but want to try the longer oven version too.

    Reply
  8. Seema Sriram says

    July 23, 2021 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    The main thing that prompted me to try this was the quick note on your post saying why should I try it. The recipe was a big success and my teens loved it.

    Reply
  9. Maria says

    July 23, 2021 at 9:32 am

    5 stars
    I never knew this existed! I love it! This will be my first time trying Greek food and I'm so happy I found your recipe. Thank you for sharing such informative instructions.

    Reply
  10. Lima Ekram says

    July 21, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    I have never had this before - I gave it a try and it was delicious - something new for the family - your instructions were really great!

    Reply
  11. Sharon says

    July 21, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    I am always looking for bean recipes. That sauce looks amazing!

    Reply
  12. AISilva says

    July 21, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    I've never heard of gigantes plaki before, but my family will love this dish. My kids adore beans and those butter beans look so good!

    Reply
  13. Stephanie says

    July 21, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    This was a perfect meal for my husband and me. I made his with the feta, and mine without since I'm allergic to dairy. I love meals that we can both customize like that for our tastes.

    Reply
  14. Jamie says

    July 21, 2021 at 1:27 pm

    5 stars
    I've recently discovered butter beans and they're quickly becoming a favorite! So happy to come across more ways to use it!

    Reply
  15. Choclette says

    July 21, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    Ooh yes, I've most definitely heard of it. Love it, although I've never had the authentic dish. But like you I make it on the stove top at home. Now I've seen your delicious recipe, I realise I haven't made it in far too long.

    Reply
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