Butter Beans and Spinach Casserole (Gigantes me Spanaki)
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A tasty and simple recipe for butter beans with spinach in the oven. It takes some time to prepare but the result is awesome!
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 300 gr (10 oz) butter beans.
  • 300 gr fresh spinach.
  • 2 medium onions chopped.
  • 1 leak sliced.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill chopped.
  • 2-3 ripe tomatoes cut in small cubes.
  • ¾ cup of extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Salt and ground pepper.
Instructions
  1. Add the beans in a large bowl and let them soak overnight in plenty of water.
  2. In a large pot, boil the beans for ~ 45 minutes until they become soft and almost ready to be eaten. I usually change the water ~ 10 minutes after they start boiling and use fresh water for the rest of the time. When ready, drain them and set aside.
  3. Wash the spinach and drain well.
  4. Add half of the olive oil in a large pot and start frying the onion and leek on medium heat. When they start getting soft. Add the fresh spinach, season with salt and pepper and let it cook for ~ 10 minutes until the spinach reduces most of its juices. Stir from time to time.
  5. Preheat the oven at 170 degrees Celsius (340 F).
  6. Use a medium tray and cover the bottom with a layer of boiled butter beans. Add the spinach mixture from the pot and spread it evenly. Season with salt and pepper and cover with the rest of the beans. Add the chopped tomatoes. Dilute the tomato paste in one cup of water and pour it in the tray. Pour in the remaining olive oil. Shake the tray so the juices are distributed evenly.
  7. Bake in the oven for ~ 45 minutes until the juices have reduced. If you like, you may sprinkle some Feta bits on top, ~ 10 minutes before you remove it from the oven.
  8. Bon appetit!
Recipe by SocraticFood at https://socraticfood.com/butter-beans-and-spinach-casserole-gigantes-me-spanaki/