Fassolia Gigantes Plaki (Giant Beans Baked in the Oven)
🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
🛒 Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
🥄 Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Fassolia Gigantes Plaki recipe, originating from the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. These Giant Beans, bathed in a rich tomato sauce and baked to perfection, are a true culinary gem. Ideal for lunch, snacks, or potluck gatherings, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds with its wholesome goodness.
Ingredients:
- 500g tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 160g onions
- 280g tomato puree
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Beans:
- Begin by picking the beans clean from any stones or grit, then soak them in cold water overnight to soften.
- The following day, drain and rinse the beans in a colander.
- In a large saucepan or pressure cooker, cover the beans with plenty of cold water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the beans until they are tender yet still slightly firm, ensuring not to overcook them. This step is crucial to maintain their texture and flavor.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and dried herbs (oregano, thyme), sautéing until they begin to turn golden brown.
- Incorporate the tomatoes along with their juices (or add water if using fresh tomatoes), followed by the tomato puree and sugar.
- Using a fork, break up the tomato mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped parsley, then add the cooked beans to the tomato sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
-
Bake the Beans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Transfer the bean and tomato mixture into an ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and black pepper over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, without stirring, until the beans develop a slightly crisp texture on the surface and the sauce has thickened.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Fassolia Gigantes Plaki from the oven.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 390.7
- Fat: 35.2g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 18.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.4g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 10.9g
- Protein: 3.2g
Recipe Notes:
- These Giant Beans can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or served alongside crusty bread or rice for a more substantial meal.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or incorporating cooked meat for an extra protein boost.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to intensify further with time. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and satisfying meal option.
