Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe from Greece

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 12 hours | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe features dried beans cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. It is a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce has its origins in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. It is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of beans, tomatoes, and herbs creates a rich and flavorful dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

2.5 cups dried beans
0.5 cup oil
3 cloves of garlic
4 onions, sliced
2 tbsp minced parsley
1 tbsp oregano (or marjoram)
0.25 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
6 tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 1 large can of whole tomatoes)
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight.
Drain the beans.
Heat the oil in a heavy casserole and add the garlic, onion, and herbs. Sauté until the onions are soft.
Add the tomatoes and simmer until well-blended.
Add the beans and enough water to cover them.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour.
Remove the cover, add salt, and simmer for 1 hour longer.
Remove the bay leaf.
Serve with rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and texture.
Use different herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, or cumin to customize the dish to your taste.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

- Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the beans in the tomato sauce for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and hearty dish.

Serving Suggestions

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or crusty bread. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.

- Simmering the beans in the tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned beans instead of dried beans for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce pairs well with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce contains approximately 300 calories. This dish is a satisfying and nutritious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Each serving of Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the oil used for cooking and provide essential nutrients for the body.

Proteins

Each serving of Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is an important component of a healthy diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific food allergies, be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens.

Summary

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a comforting and hearty dinner.

Summary

Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. This recipe features dried beans cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. It is a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this dish with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of cooking from my mother and grandmother.

One summer afternoon, my grandmother invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special dish for a family dinner. As she gathered the ingredients for the recipe, she began to tell me the story of how she learned to make Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce.

She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to Greece and brought back this delicious dish. The secret to its rich flavor, she said, was in the slow cooking process and the combination of fresh ingredients.

As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother shared with me the importance of patience and attention to detail when it came to cooking. She showed me how to properly chop the onions and garlic, how to sauté them in olive oil until they were fragrant and golden brown, and how to add the tomatoes and beans to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

As the aroma of the simmering sauce filled the kitchen, my grandmother told me stories of her own childhood, growing up in a small village where food was scarce and every meal was a precious gift. She spoke of the joy she felt when her mother would prepare this dish for their family, using whatever ingredients they had on hand to create a nourishing and comforting meal.

I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic in the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, tasting the sauce and adjusting the seasoning until it was just right. She taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and using my senses to guide me in the kitchen, rather than relying solely on a recipe.

As we sat down to enjoy the finished dish, I savored every bite of the Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to my family’s culinary heritage. My grandmother smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride, knowing that she had passed on a valuable piece of knowledge to me that would stay with me for a lifetime.

Since that day, I have made Plaki Beans in Tomato Sauce countless times, sharing the recipe with friends and family who have all marveled at its delicious taste and heartwarming aroma. Each time I prepare this dish, I am reminded of the love and wisdom that my grandmother imparted to me that day in her kitchen, and I am grateful for the gift of her culinary expertise that continues to inspire me to this day.