The Recipe · No.1035 · Gigantes Plaki

Gigantes Plaki, and where to source it

Gigantes Plaki — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Gigantes Plaki Greek 5best2buy.com

Undercook the beans slightly before they go in the oven, because they finish cooking in the tomato sauce and will fall apart if boiled fully first. The long, gentle bake is what turns the giant beans creamy inside while the sauce reduces around them.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook1 hr 30 min
Makesserves 6
CuisineGreek
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Gigantes or large lima beans
Dried giant beans, soaked overnight; butter beans substitute well.
1 lb
Local / market
Ripe tomatoes
Grated fresh, or good canned, for the plaki sauce.
2 lb
Local / market
Onion
Chopped, cooked down as the sauce base.
2
Source it →
Garlic
Several cloves for the sauce.
4 cloves
Source it →
Extra-virgin olive oil
Generous, as in all Greek ladera.
1/2 cup
Source it →
Fresh parsley and dill
Both, stirred in and over the top.
1/2 cup
Local / market
Carrot
Diced small for a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
1
Local / market
Sugar
A pinch to balance the tomato acidity; traditional.
1 tsp
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Getting greedy
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerInstant PotSlow cookerOne-potSheet pan
The Method
  1. Par-boil the beansSimmer soaked beans until barely tender but still firm — they finish in the oven.
  2. Make the sauceCook onion, carrot and garlic in olive oil, then add tomato, herbs, sugar, salt and pepper and simmer.
  3. CombineFold the drained beans into the sauce with a splash of their cooking water.
  4. BakeTransfer to a baking dish and bake at 350F for 60-90 minutes until the top browns and the sauce thickens.
  5. RestCool at least 20 minutes; gigantes are best warm or at room temperature with feta and bread.
The Toolkit

Ceramic baking dish · Saucepan · Box grater

Straight Answers
Can you make Gigantes Plaki in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.

Can you freeze Gigantes Plaki? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Gigantes Plaki ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Gigantes Plaki gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Gigantes Plaki vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1035