Greek Giant Beans (Gigantes) with Country Sausage and Florina Peppers

These Greek giant beans (gigantes) baked with country-style sausage and Florina red peppers are pure comfort food from the Greek countryside. The tender beans soak up the rich, smoky tomato sauce, while the sausage adds depth and aroma. This is a rustic, hearty, and incredibly delicious dish — perfect for cozy family meals or traditional Sunday dinners.

Greek Giant Beans (Gigantes) with Country Sausage and Florina Peppers

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

Calories

460

kcal

Total time

2

hours 

20

minutes

A traditional Greek recipe with tender giant beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with country sausage and Florina peppers. Smoky, hearty, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 500 g 1.1 lb Giant Beans

• 2 liters 8 1/2 cup Water

• 150 g 2/3 cup Olive Oil

• 150 g 5 oz Country Style Sausage, sliced

• 2 2 Large Onions, roughly chopped

• 3-4 3-4 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped

• 2 2 Red Florina Peppers, diced

• 2 2 Carrots, diced

• 300 ml 1 1/4 cup Tomato Juice

• 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Tomato Paste

• 1 tsp 1 tsp Sugar

• Salt and Pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika

• 1/2 bunch 1/2 bunch Parsley, finely chopped

• Olive Oil and Pepper, for drizzling

How to make Greek Gigantes

• Soak the giant beans overnight in water.
• The next day, drain and place them in a pot with 2 liters (8½ cups) of fresh water. Boil for 30 minutes.
• Add salt and continue cooking until tender — about 2 hours in total.
• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
• For the sauce
• In a large pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the sausage slices until lightly browned.
• Add onions, garlic, peppers, and carrots. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft.
• Stir in most of the parsley (save a bit for garnish).
• Add tomato paste, sugar, smoked paprika, and tomato juice.
• Stir and pour in a little of the bean cooking water.
• Lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
• Transfer the cooked beans to a baking dish, pour the sauce over, and mix gently.
• Drizzle with olive oil, season with pepper.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 70 minutes.

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The Ultimate Greek Comfort Food

If you love traditional Greek flavors, these Gigantes with sausage and Florina peppers will win you over. Originating from northern Greece, this rustic dish brings together simple yet rich ingredients — creamy giant beans, smoky sausage, and sweet roasted-style peppers — baked slowly in a fragrant tomato sauce.

The secret to authentic flavor lies in the quality of the sausage and the slow baking process, which allows the beans to absorb the tomato sauce and spices. The smoked paprika and olive oil add that characteristic warmth and depth that make this dish uniquely comforting.

Tips for Perfect Gigantes

• Soak overnight: ensures even cooking and soft, buttery beans.
• Use good sausage: traditional Greek or spicy country-style sausage adds authentic taste.
• Bake slowly: this step concentrates the flavors and gives a caramelized top layer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your gigantes warm, drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They pair wonderfully with feta cheese, crusty bread, or a glass of red wine.

Whether you’re exploring Greek cuisine or looking for a wholesome, protein-rich vegetarian-inspired meal (you can skip the sausage), this recipe delivers deep Mediterranean flavor in every bite.

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