Gigandes Plaki

Gigandes Plaki is the perfect meze dish to accompany every authentic Greek meal.

The majority of Greek recipes on Greedy Gourmet has been demonstrated by The Real Greek restaurant chain, based mostly in London but slowly branching out to different parts of the UK.

Somehow it worked out that I visit the restaurant on an annual basis to shoot three recipes and this year proved no different. What a joy it is to learn more and more about this fantastic cuisine.

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Gigandes. Yigandes. Gigantes. There are many ways to spell this Greek word, which means “giant”. If you can’t get hold of butter beans, you can substitute it with another variety but you’ll miss the large, pillowy goodness when you bite into the former.

The name itself might seem exotic but if you love your baked beans then you’ll adore the Greeks’ version. Like most Mediterranean recipes the preparation is simple so there is no need to feel intimidated.

It’s a matter of soaking the beans the night before. Parboiling them and skimming off the scum, adding the veg and simmering everything until cooked and tender. At the very end you can add the herbs for extra flavour.

What makes this dish so beautiful is its versatility. On its own vegans can eat it guilt free.

As for hardcore meat eaters, just about any meat but especially sausage, pork belly and chicken breast, can be enjoyed with the beans. Vegetarians can chuck in a few chunks of feta cheese to bulk up the food as a main course.

Gigantes Plaki can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as a snack, side dish or main course. Best of all, it’s healthy, cheap and doesn’t hurt the environment.

Wondering what else you can do with butter beans? Check out this white bean dip.

More side dish inspiration

• roast marrow
• parmentier potatoes
• tobacco onions
• rosemary potatoes

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