Greek baked beans (Gigantes plaki)

Gigantes plaki, or Greek baked beans, is a classic Greek dish all about heart and warmth. 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 75 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 brown onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 bunch dill, chopped
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1½ tsp sea salt
• 4 cans butter beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 bunch parsley, chopped

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced).
2. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan, tipping in onion and garlic and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until softened but not brown. 
3. Add tomatoes and cook for a further minute. 
4. Add dill, brown sugar and sea salt, simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in beans. 
5. Tip into a large ovenproof dish and bake uncovered and without stirring for approximately 1 hour, until the beans are tender. 
6. Allow to cool. Garnish with parsley and drizzle with olive oil to serve.