Greek Butter Beans Recipe - Gigantes Plaki (Vegan) - Real Greek Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are Gigantes beans the same as butter beans? ›

Gigante beans are essentially very large butter beans, which are usually grown in northern Greece. They are delicious, creamy, and incredibly good for you. Here's how to cook with them.

Gigantes are not only filling but also super healthy: the beans are low in fat content and an excellent source of fiber (if you're looking to lower your cholesterol, these are for you!). Now you know why we've included these as part of our heart-healthy diet!

The Italians call them corona beans; the Greeks call them gigante beans. You'll also sometimes find them labeled as butter beans. They all, in fact, stem from the good ol' lima bean.

Canned or frozen butter beans don't require any soaking or initial preparation beyond a quick rinse or thaw, but dried beans require a few extra steps. Soak the beans overnight (optional): If you choose to soak your beans to save cooking time, thoroughly wash, drain, and pick over beans for any debris.

In her book The Foods of Greece, Aglaia Kremezi writes that, “Gigantes, which means 'extremely large' in Greek, is what the Greeks call the very large lima beans used for this dish”. (British readers currently feeling little the wiser should note that lima beans, or Phaseolus lunatus, are known here as butter beans.)

Yes, beans are a nutritious and healthy food that can be consumed daily as part of a balanced diet. They offer numerous health benefits and are a valuable source of essential nutrients, including: Protein: Beans are an excellent plant-based source of protein, making them a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans.

Navy Beans

Regularly eating navy beans may improve certain health parameters, such as body weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels. Their high protein and fiber content could help support weight loss and reduce blood sugar and blood lipid levels.

Gigantes plaki, a traditional Greek dish that translates to "giant baked beans," is a classic vegetarian dish that features Gigante Beans in a tomato sauce. Hearty enough to be eaten for a meal by itself, it also works well alongside other dishes as a complete ensemble.

If you can't find gigantes from Greece at your local ethnic market, you can substitute large lima beans, elephant beans or butter beans. This dish takes some time to cook, but this method is very "hands off" so you can stick it in the oven and forget about it while you prepare the rest of your dinner.

Gigantes are like giant fava beans- they're very popular in Greece. Typically, this dish is made using dried beans- so if that's what you have, great- use 'em!

Why can't you boil butter beans? ›

After soaked beans have been rinsed, add fresh water about two inches to cover. Bring to a boil, and then turn the heat down to just a simmer. If you boil them too rapidly, they will split and fall apart.

If you've ever cooked beans for hours without them softening, it's probably because you're using old beans, or you've got hard (mineral-rich) water, or there's an acidic ingredient in the pot, which can slow down cooking. Using distilled water solves the hard water problem.

From the tin – not a cooking method, but butter beans and be enjoyed straight from the can. Try scattering them in a salad or alongside a sharp, salty cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

A lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), also commonly known as butter bean, sieva bean, double bean or Madagascar bean, is a legume grown for its edible seeds or beans.

You'll see them labeled in different ways in the store, after all: frozen lima beans, canned butter beans, dried large limas—or is it dried large butter beans? Turns out, lima beans and butter beans are the same thing. Both terms refer to the same species, Phaseolus lunatus.

Cannellini beans are a great substitute for butter beans due to their similar size and texture. They have a mild, nutty flavor that can complement a wide range of dishes, making them a versatile option for soups, stews, and salads.

Butter beans, also called lima beans and sieva beans, are the seeds of the plant Phaseolus lunatus. They are available fresh, frozen, or dried, and are sold in both younger and mature forms.