- Gigandes plaki
"Gigandes plaki" (Greek "γίγαντες πλακί") is a Greek
meze dish that consists of largebean s ("gigantes") cooked in atomato -based sauce.Cooking Methods
Although there are many variations to this popular dish, it usually consists of Greek fasolia gigandes (Giant White Beans),
tomato es,onion s,olive oil ,parsley , andsugar . When fasolia gigandes cannot be obtained, largelima beans are suitable substitutes. Othervegetables such asgarlic ,carrot s andcelery are sometimes used for this dish and some recipes even usesausage s.As with many
bean s, 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 tosauté the all the ingredients for 20 minutes. Then the beans are baked in theoven until the top layer of the dish is slightly charred from the sugar reacting to the heat. The beans are garnished with parsley and Greekfeta then served with Greekbread alongside this dish.erving Methods
Traditionally, gigandes plaki are served as a
meze alongside otherside dish es. 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 andnutritious food. It is a rich source foranti-oxidant s from the tomatoes, andfiber 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 forvegetarians andvegans 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 = 2007-07-12ee also
Pilaki , a similar Turkish dish
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