Super Easy Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Beans)

Ingredients

• 500 g gigantes beans (or butter beans)
• 100 ml olive oil
• 1 large red or white onion (finely chopped)
• 4-5 celery sticks (finely chopped)
• 400 g canned tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the gigantes beans overnight (or for up to 24 hours). When you're ready to use them, bring them to boil in a pot and let them simmer for 40-50 minutes until tender, but not completely done. Remove them from the pot and drain.

2. 2

   Heat the oven at 180C. Chop the onion and celery and add them to a tray with 2 tbsp olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minute until soft.

3. 3

   Get the tray out of the oven and add all the other ingredients, including the drained beans. Add 100 ml hot water and mix everyhting well.

4. 4

   Bake for another 60 minutes or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick. The timing may vary according to oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end. The beans should not be mushy and you should be able to bite into them.

5. 5

   Serve hot or at room temperature with crusty bread and crumbled feta cheese (optional).