Savory Greek Beans (Fasolia Gigantes)

(38)
  • Minutes to Prepare:
  • Minutes to Cook:
  • Number of Servings: 12
Ingredients
2 cups dried white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), rinsed 8 cups water 4 Tablespoons olive oil 2 medium carrots, diced, about 1 cup 1 medium onion, diced, about 1/2 cup3 cloves garlic, minced1 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoons freshsalt and pepper to taste
Directions
NOTE: To save time, use 2 cans of beans, drained and rinsed, and skip the next step.

You can also soak dried beans overnight to cut the cooking time.

Place the rinsed beans in a large stock pot and cover with water, about 8 cups. Boil for an hour. Beans will still be slightly firm.

After 45 minutes, heat a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil, then when the oil is hot, add the onions. Cook for five minutes, stirring often, then add the carrots. Cook another five minutes, then add the garlic. After two minutes, add the tomato paste and stir well. Cook five minutes. Add the dried spices (if using fresh, add them at the end).

Drain and rinse your beans. Add them to the sauce pan and cover with water by 1 inch. Cook for 30 minutes, or until beans are tender and most of the water has been absorbed. Add fresh herbs (if using), salt and pepper.

Makes 12 half-cup servings. Serve warm or cold.

Servings Per Recipe: 12
Nutritional Info Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 167.4
  • Total Fat: 4.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 122.7 mg
  • Total Carbs: 24.1 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7.2 g
  • Protein: 7.5 g

Member Reviews
  • NARA87
    Ugh, this just had to be in the email today. I've been craving it like crazy, but I don't have a pressure cooker here. :P
    The picture in the photo looks like beansoup, though. Gigantes are supposed to have less sauce. I like to add feta cheese when it's baking. - 12/13/12

    Reply from STEPFANIER (12/13/12)
    If you pour boiling water over your beans and soak them overnight, I find you don't need a pressure cooker. I like lots of sauce on mine :)

  • CD12592851
    This is almost identical to the Lenten bean soup that I make. The Italian version browns the tomato paste (only 2 Tbsp) in the olive oil. I use 1-2 Tbsp of a lite salt since it is bland otherwise. Add ham or bacon for added flavor for the guys. - 9/5/12
  • CD12162271
    I'm going to convert this to a slow cooker for a meatless monday meal. - 10/18/12
  • ANADAMPAPADAAM
    its almost our national food here in greece.very nice recipe - 10/17/12
  • CRIMSCOUT
    Looks like one of the steps is out of order? Sounds delicious, though. - 10/17/12
  • HUSKERSALAD
    This is the first recipe I tried from the new vegan e-book. Thanks! - 3/10/12
  • CD26508743
    Good - 11/28/20
  • REGILIEH
    great - 7/16/20
  • EOWYN2424
    nyummm!
    - 7/16/20
  • WILDKAT781
    wonderful - 4/23/20
  • WHITEANGEL4
    On my list for this weeks menu - 4/20/20
  • JAMER123
    Looks like this one would be good in a slow cooker. I do all my soups that way. - 4/19/20
  • JVANAM
    Opa! Great make ahead meal. The longer the beans macerate the deeper the flavor. Opa! - 4/19/20
  • CD4114015
    Thanks - 2/27/20
  • ALEPEQUIJADA
    Great! - 1/22/20
  • KITT52
    husband loves beans and enjoyed this recipe - 1/6/20
  • KACEYSW
    This is really a great recipe! So flavorful! - 10/10/19
  • NASFKAB
    Good - 9/30/19
  • BILLTHOMSON
    I love any kind of bean soup, a keeper! - 8/25/19
  • METAFUKARI
    loved this as is~ - 7/16/19
  • EVIE4NOW
    I was leery but it was good. - 7/2/19
  • PLATINUM755
    The only changes made to the recipe included: added spinach, sliced zucchini and a quick dash of cayenne. - 5/7/19
  • TOMATOCAFEGAL
    Feedback from other members is awesome! - 4/28/19
  • NELLJONES
    Dried, soaked and cooked beans are always better than from a can. - 4/20/19
  • 4CONNIESHEALTH
    Great! - 4/19/19