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–+ servings
Elle

Simple White Beans in Tomato Sauce

4.40 from 23 votes
A low effort, easy recipe for oven roasted white beans in tomato sauce (similar to Gigantes Plaki). Made with simple pantry items and fresh spinach this makes for a healthy and tasty weeknight meal that is suitable for vegans, vegetarians and anyone following a gluten-free diet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 126

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 2 x 400 g cans organic chopped tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (sweet)
  • Pinch chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 x 400 g cans organic butter beans, drained and rinsed (alternatively fava beans)
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves (optional)
  • flat leaf parsley, to garnish
To serve (optional):
  • Crumbled feta

Instructions
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
  2. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet (I use a cast iron one), over medium heat. then gently cook the onion and garlic with a pinch of salt for 8-10 minutes, until the onion is soft.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, chili flakes (if using) and butter beans. Season with freshly ground black pepper plus a pinch of salt. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a light simmer. Note: depending on the brand of chopped tomatoes, or how saucy I want the dish, I add 2-4 tablespoons of water to the pan before bringing to a simmer.
  4. Once the sauce starts to simmer, transfer to the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until thickened and bubbling.
  5. Remove from the oven and stir in the baby spinach to wilt (about 1 minute).
  6. Sprinkle with parsley (and crumbled feta, if desired) and serve as a main with some crusty bread, as a side dish (served hot or cold) .

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal

Notes

  • Smoked paprika gives this dish a little bit of a Spanisch influence. If you do not have smoked paprika on hand it can be skipped. For more of a smokey flavour you can add up to ½ teaspoon more. I used sweet smoked paprika, if you like a little spice, then add hot smoked paprika. You could even use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika instead of oregano. I personally love oregano with baked white beans and tomato sauce.
  • Sometimes I drizzle a little bit of my favourite olive oil over this dish before serving. I mostly like to do this if I am enjoying this with some crusty bread.
  • In summer, when ripe flavourful tomatoes are in abundance you can also replace the canned tomatoes with 8 fresh tomatoes, chopped. Season them with salt to draw out the juices. Depending on how aromatic they are, you may want to add a little more tomato paste.

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