Looking for a new way to enjoy gigantes beans, those plump and creamy Greek giant beans? Gigantes beans, usually the stars of the traditional Greek dish Gigantes Plaki, are taking a flavorful turn into the world of dips. Forget the usual routine; we’re shaking things up and giving these giant beans a dip-worthy makeover, Easy Gigantes Dip! Do you love creamy and flavorful dips? You’re in for a treat! Plus, our Easy Gigantes Dip is completely vegan and dairy-free, making it a delicious choice for everyone to enjoy! Get ready to dip into a creamy and savory delight as we turn a Greek classic into a dip that’s sure to become your new favorite.
So, imagine the rich and buttery flavors of gigantes – those giant beans prized for their creamy texture and nutty taste – but now in a dip that’s perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just dipping your toes into Greek cuisine, Easy Gigantes Dip is the perfect way to start! Let’s whip up a batch and turn those giant beans into the life of the party on your snack table!
Whipping Up Easy Gigantes Dip: Step-by-Step
To prepare these magical beans, let them soak in a bath of water overnight or for 24 hours. Once they’ve doubled in size, drain them and place them in a pot filled with fresh water. Toss in the bay leaves and bring the water to a boil. Then, lower the heat and simmer the beans for about an hour, allowing them to soften. Finally, drain the beans, reserving a cup of the flavorful cooking liquid to be used later in the recipe. Set the beans aside to cool.
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Ready, Set, Let”s Prepare the Topping
But before we blend up our creamy masterpiece, we need to prepare that flavorful topping! Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and kalamata olives into small pieces. (We used a vegetable chopper.) In a small bowl, toss them with a touch of olive oil. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and dried parsley, then give everything a good stir to ensure mixed evenly. Can you imagine the burst of flavor this mixture is going to add to the dip? With the vegetables prepped and the beans ready, let’s whip up this dip in a flash!
Blend, Blend, Blend!
In a blender or food processor, add the cooked beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend adding a touch of the reserved cooking liquid as needed to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a creamy silky perfection, adding more cooking liquid and olive oil as needed to achieve the desired texture.
Putting It All Together: Easy Gigantes Dip
Spread the bean mixture in a dish, making a small dip in the center. Spoon the colorful vegetable mix onto the dip and around the edges, creating a stunning presentation. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with crunchy walnuts for added flavor and texture.
Easy Gigantes Dip is versatile, too! Serve it with warm pita bread for a hearty appetizer, or pair it with fresh vegetables for a healthy snack. It’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and game day gatherings, and it’s sure to become your new favorite dip. What are you waiting for? The next time you’re looking for a tasty and easy snack, give Easy Gigantes Dip a try. Don’t just take our word for it! Try Easy Gigantes Dip for yourself and share your thoughts in the comments below
Easy Gigantes Dip
Ingredients
- 1½ cup gigantes beans
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 lemons juiced
- 5-6 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup tahini well stirred
- 1 cup grape tomatoes diced
- 1 small cucumber diced
- 1 small onion diced
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives diced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp walnuts chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- The night before (or for 24 hours), soak the gigantes beans in water.
- After soaking, drain and place the beans in a medium-sized pot filled with water. Add bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and cook until the beans are soft and tender (around one hour).
- Drain, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid. Set the beans aside to cool.
Vegetable Mix
- Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and kalamata olives into tiny pieces.
- Add them to a small bowl and drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add dried oregano and dried parsley, then give it a good stir. Set aside.
Bean Blend
- In a blender or food processor, add the beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Blend, adding a bit of the cooking liquid to loosen the mixture. Continue blending until the mixture is creamy and smooth, adding more cooking liquid and olive oil as needed.
Assembly
- Spoon the bean dip into a dish and smooth, creating a small indentation in the middle.
- Add your vegetable mixture to the middle of the dip and around the edges. Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts (optional)
- Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers of your choice. Enjoy!
