Baked Giant Beans (gigantes Plaki

• bendras laikas: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredientai

1 kg giant beans (Gigantes)

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 chili pepper, finely sliced

1 leek (white part only), sliced

2 celery stalks with leaves, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

2 tbsp tomato paste

4 large ripe tomatoes, grated or finely chopped

150g extra virgin olive oil

2 bay leaves

Dried oregano

Salt & pepper to taste

Nurodymai

Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain, rinse well, and place in a pot with cold water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, and simmer for about 1 hour until tender but not mushy.

In the baking dish you’ll use, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the celery, carrots, leek, red pepper, and chili. Cook until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for 2 more minutes to bring out its flavor.

Add the grated tomatoes, bay leaves, cooked beans, salt, pepper, oregano, and enough of the bean cooking water to just cover the mixture. Bring to a gentle boil.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the top turns golden. The beans should be tender and glossy.

Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.

Enjoy!