Gigantes is a traditional Greek dish, featuring giant lima beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and crumbled feta. This recipe features simple ingredients, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a cozy meal.

Lea, who shared this recipe, is from California and has roots in Kefalonia and Kasos, Greece. She learned this recipe from her mom and it’s a family favorite. This dish reminds her of family gatherings and meals from her childhood. She believes this dish captures the essence of Greek cooking, using basic ingredients to create something special. It’s a recipe that can be personalized, making it a staple in many Greek households.

To make this dish, you’ll start by soaking the beans overnight. Once soaked, cook them in a pressure cooker until tender. While the beans cook, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once ready, combine the cooked beans with the sauce, then transfer it to an oven-safe dish. Bake, then top with crumbled feta and return it to the oven for a final bake until the beans are soft and the feta is slightly browned.

I love how this dish turned out. The creamy texture of the beans and the rich, savory sauce blew me away. The combination of tender beans, tangy tomatoes, and salty feta is perfect. It’s a meal that feels indulgent, but it’s really just humble ingredients working together to create something truly delicious. And with a slice of fresh bread? It’s heavenly.