Roasted Greek Gigantes Beans with Lemon and Herbs

**Roasted Greek Gigantes Beans with Lemon and Herbs** These hearty beans are a staple of Greek cuisine, and for good reason. They're packed with flavor, thanks to a combination of olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make. Simply roast them in the oven until they're tender and slightly browned.

Gigantes beans, also known as elephant beans, are a large, white bean that is native to Greece. They have a mild flavor and a creamy texture, making them perfect for roasting. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Greek dish of gigantes plaki, which is typically made with tomatoes and peppers. However, this simplified version is just as delicious and much easier to make. The key to this recipe is to use high-quality ingredients. Good olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dried herbs will make all the difference. You can also add other spices to taste, such as cumin, coriander, or paprika.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 75 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried gigantes beans
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rinse the beans and pick over them to remove any stones or debris.
3. In a large bowl, combine the beans, olive oil, onion, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the beans in an even layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the beans are tender and slightly browned.
6. Remove from the oven and stir in the lemon juice.
7. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Why It Works

• Roasting the beans in the oven concentrates their flavor.
• The olive oil helps to keep the beans moist and tender.
• The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances out the richness of the beans.
• The herbs add a subtle earthiness that complements the other flavors.