Delicious Greek Gigantes: Creamy Lima Beans In Tangy Tomato Sauce

Morning Busy Ladies! I've recently found this amazing dish - Greek Gigantes. It’s all about these creamy lima beans swimming in a tangy tomato sauce that will blow your taste buds away. Seriously, it’s that good.

Now, what makes this dish even more awesome is that it’s super simple to make and packed with Mediterranean flavours. Plus, it’s suitable for various diets like vegan, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. So, pretty much everyone can enjoy it.

The key ingredients here are lima beans, extra virgin olive oil, onions, garlic, two kinds of tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. You can even add in some paprika and celery if you’re feeling fancy.

Whether you cook the lima beans in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop, the process is pretty straightforward. Just sauté the onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil, mix in the rest of the ingredients, bring it to a boil, and then gently stir in the cooked lima beans. Pop it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly, and voila! You’ve got yourself a mouthwatering dish.

Serve it hot, warm, or at room temperature, and feel free to garnish it with some fresh parsley or oregano. Trust me, this Gigantes dish is a winner.

• Serve the Greek-style baked lima beans as a main course with toasted crusty bread and a fresh green salad on the side.
• Pair the dish with Greek salad and Gruyere chicken sausages or vegan meatballs for a complete meal.
• Use the baked lima beans as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
• Serve the dish as a side alongside other Greek-inspired dishes like vegan moussaka or roasted lemon potatoes.
• Make a large batch of the Greek Gigantes for a family dinner or gathering, and serve it alongside other Mediterranean dishes like stuffed vine leaves and roasted vegetables.

• 450 grams of dried large lima beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic (minced or crushed through a garlic press)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (optional, diced)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dry)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (dry)
• 400 grams of diced tomatoes (can use pureed tomatoes)
• 2 heaping tbsp tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

• Rinse the dried large lima beans in plenty of water. Place in a large pot or saucepan. Cover with two inches of water, season with salt and add a bay leaf if desired.
• Bring to a boil, cover and cook 30 minutes over medium low heat or until the beans are tender. Add more water if the pot dries up at any point. Strain the beans before using.
• Add a teaspoon of salt and, if you want, a bay leaf.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/180 degrees Celsius.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan or large saucepan with the garlic.
• Once the garlic takes on a light golden colour, add the onions and celery (if using).
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Sauté for five minutes or until the onions have softened.
• Add the dried oregano and dried thyme. Mix.
• Stir in the chopped tomatoes or tomato purée and the tomato paste. Add paprika, if using.
• Add two cups of water or vegetable stock. Mix well and bring to the boil.
• Add the cooked lima beans to the pot and gently stir them in. Don't mash the beans, you want them whole in the final dish.
• Bring the lima beans to the boil. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Turn off the hob.
• Pour the lima beans mixture into a large baking dish.
• Place in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top is crusty. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano, if desired, and serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

Lima Beans

• Excellent source of dietary fibre, which helps in digestion and prevents constipation.
• High in protein content, making them a great addition to vegetarian or vegan diets.
• Rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Provide essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for overall health.
• Low in calories and fat, making them a healthy option for weight management.

Garlic

• Contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Boosts the immune system and may help prevent common illnesses like the common cold.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit conditions like arthritis.
• Contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Onion

• Rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Contains a compound called quercetin, which has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supports digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• May help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and stomach cancers.
• Provides essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate.

Celery

• Low in calories and high in fibre, making it a great option for weight management.
• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Supports heart health by helping to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Provides essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are important for overall health.
• Acts as a natural diuretic, helping to flush out excess fluids from the body.

Tomatoes

• Rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which has been shown to have protective effects against certain types of cancer.
• Supports heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.
• Provides essential minerals like potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit conditions like arthritis.

You can use canned Lima Beans instead of dried Lima Beans for this recipe if you are short of time.

Fancy a spicy twist - add a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. These spices will give your Gigantes a kick without overpowering the tangy tomato sauce.