The perfect winter food that is both healthy and comforting!

Try something new! The ultimate comfort food, this classic Greek dish is creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Greek giant beans, or giant lima beans 

• ½ cup The Olive Scene bold Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled

• 2  onions, finely chopped

• 1 pound smoked sausage chopped

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried

• 1 tablespoon celery,  finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• 14 ounce can chopped tomatoes or 4 fresh plum tomatoes, grated

Instructions

1. Soak the gigantes beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain them into a colander and rinse with plenty of water.

2. Place the gigantes in a large pan with cold water, enough to cover them, add a pinch of sea salt and bring to a boil for 10 min. Drain them in a colander. 

3. In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat, and add the chopped onions and garlic, and saute until softened and slightly until soft (approx. 15 minutes).

4. Add the gigantes beans (drained), smoked sausage, broth, and all the other ingredients, and cover with foil. 

5. Bake the gigantes plaki 60 minutes at 350 degrees, until the beans are soft and tender and the sauce thickens.

6. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-30 minutes, to thicken the sauce if desired. Enjoy!