Gigandes plaki

"Gigandes plaki" (Greek "γίγαντες πλακί") is a Greek meze dish that consists of large beans ("gigantes") cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

Cooking Methods

Although there are many variations to this popular dish, it usually consists of Greek fasolia gigandes (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 for this dish and some recipes even use sausages.

As with many beans, the fasolia gigandes must be soaked overnight in plenty of cold water. Then the beans are to be boiled until tender before draining and beginning the addition of other ingredients. The cooking method for the gigandes plaki is to sauté the all the ingredients for 20 minutes. Then the beans are baked in the oven until the top layer of the dish is slightly charred from the sugar reacting to the heat. The beans are garnished with parsley and Greek feta then served with Greek bread alongside this dish.

erving Methods

Traditionally, gigandes plaki are served as a meze alongside other side dishes. However, this dish is filling enough to be eaten for lunch. This hearty meze is popular during the cold fall and winter months. As with many Greek dishes, while eating the beans, the Greek bread is used to dip in to the tomato sauce drippings.

Nutritional Information

Overall, gigandes plaki is a healthy and nutritious food. It is a rich source for anti-oxidants from the tomatoes, and fiber from the other vegetables. Individuals can modify the amount of olive oil, feta cheese and bread they add to the meal. This dish is suitable for vegetarians and vegans if the sausages and cheese are excluded.

References

*cite web | url = http://toptable.co.uk/timesonline/details.cfm?rid=2258&p=3 | title = Times Online Restaurant Booking | accessdate = 2007-04-08
*cite web | url = http://www.thedulceplate.com/4.html | title = Spanish, Mediterranean Cuisine - Menu | accessdate = 2007-04-08
*cite web | url = http://www.recipezaar.com/59851 | title = Gigantes (Greek Giant Baked Beans Recipe - Recipezaar | accessdate = 2007-07-12

ee also

Pilaki, a similar Turkish dish