Ingredients

8 ounces about 1 1/4 cups giant beans or 8 ounces dried large lima beans
salt
2 slices high-quality white bread , quartered
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions , minced
3 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through a garlic press about 1 tablespoon
2 packages spinach , stemmed and washed
2 cans diced tomatoes , drained
1/4 cup minced fresh dill leaves
ground black pepper
6 ounces feta cheese , crumbled about 1 1/2 cups
1 lemon , cut into wedges for serving
Giant Beans With Spinach and Feta is a traditional Greek dish, also known as "Gigantes Plaki". The combination of giant beans and spinach creates a unique flavor when combined with the salty feta cheese. This recipe provides a healthy alternative to meat-based meals, and can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish for meat dishes. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Instructions

1.Rinse and soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water.
2.Drain and rinse the beans and transfer them to a large pot.
3.Add enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches, then add 1 teaspoon of salt.
4.Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
5.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
6.In a food processor, pulse the bread into coarse crumbs.
7.Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8.Add onions, garlic and cook until the onions are soft and lightly browned for about 12 minutes.
9.Add spinach in batches, cook and stir until wilted for about 5 minutes.
10.Stir in the canned tomatoes and dill, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
11.Add the cooked beans to the skillet mixture and stir well.
12.Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top.
13.Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the bread crumbs.
14.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
15.Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
16.Serve with lemon wedges.

PROS

This Giant Beans With Spinach and Feta recipe is a delicious vegetarian dish full of flavor.

The dish is loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish and is perfect for a healthy meal.

CONS

The dish can be time-consuming and requires planning ahead for soaking the beans.

The ingredients may not be widely available in some areas.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This recipe is a great source of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and support healthy digestion.
The beans also provide iron, zinc, and folate which play important roles in maintaining overall health.
The spinach is a good source of calcium and vitamin K which support bone health, and are also high in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

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