Greek Style “Gigantes - Elephantes” Beans Stew

The white beans Gigantes - Elephantes from Kastoria are cultivated in almost all villages in the prefecture of Kastoria. This local variety is famous throughout Greece for its excellent taste, its thin-skin and the fact that it boils easily. The quality of the soil in combination with the micro-climate conditions of the area around the Kastoria lake, offer this unique bean with high nutritional value. Gigantes Elephantes from Kastoria are one of the basic components of the Greek and the Mediterranean diet. 

Ingredients for 4 servings:

1 1/2 cups  Gigantes - Elephantes from Kastoria

1 big onion, chopped

2 cups chopped tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 bay leaves

5-6 grains allspice

2 tbsp sugar

4 tbsp finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp vinegar

salt to taste

Soak the Gigantes beans from the day before. Drain them. Bring 4 cups of water to boil and cook the beans for 1 hour, without salt.

In another pan heat olive oil and saute the onion. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste dissolved in 1 cup of water,  bay leaves, allspice, sugar, vinegar and salt. Cook over medium heat for about 20-25 min. Add the Gigantes beans and cook for another 15 min.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

 https://www.facebook.com/OldWorldMarket






The original recipe comes from http://www.arosis.gr