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Gigantes Plaki (Oven-Baked Giant Beans in Tomato Sauce)

Big, cozy flavors wrapped in a humble pan of beans—this is the kind of dish that makes folks linger at the table just a little longer. Made with simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, it comes together without fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 182.4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion roughly chopped
  • 1 large carrot peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 stalk celery roughly chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic minced
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 15-ounce can butter beans drained and rinsed
  • feta cheese crumbled
  • rustic bread for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic with a pinch of salt and cook until softened.
  3. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and water, then season with salt and stir in parsley, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, cinnamon, and bay leaf.
  4. Stir in the beans and cook briefly over high heat, then taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until thickened and the top layer turns lightly golden.
  6. Remove and discard bay leaf, then finish with olive oil, parsley, and feta before serving with bread.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; flavors deepen over time. Serve with rustic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.