How to Cook Gigante Beans to Creamy, Meaty Perfection

Gigante beans, also called royal corona beans, are a variety of large white beans that originated in Greece. About the size of a quarter when dried, these beans transform into substantial, tender beans when cooked. Their creamy texture and mild bean flavor make them ideal in soups, stews, salads, and more. But first you need to know how to prepare them properly.

Cooking gigante beans requires patience, as they typically need to be soaked overnight and then simmered for a few hours. With the right technique though, you’ll be rewarded with beans that hold their shape beautifully and develop an incredibly smooth, silky interior.

Here is a complete step-by-step guide to cooking perfect gigante beans from start to finish.

Ingredients for Gigante Beans

• 1 pound dried gigante beans
• Water for soaking
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 cups vegetable broth or stock
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Step 1 – Sort and Rinse the Beans

• Pick through the dried beans to remove any debris, pebbles, or malformed beans This step is essential to avoid biting into anything unpleasant later!

• Place the sorted beans into a colander and rinse thoroughly under cool running water. This washes away any dust or residue from packaging.

Step 2 – Soak the Beans

Soaking accomplishes two things:

• It softens the outer skin of the beans so they cook more evenly. Without soaking the outside can become mushy while the inside stays overly firm.

• Soaking allows the beans to begin absorbing water and activating enzymes that break down indigestible compounds like phytic acid. This makes their nutrients more bioavailable.

To soak:

• Put the rinsed beans in a large pot or bowl and add enough cool, fresh water to cover them by 5 inches. This ensures ample water for the beans to swell and soak properly.

• Let soak for a minimum of 8 hours and up to 12 hours at room temperature.

• Drain and rinse the beans well after soaking. They are now ready to cook.

Step 3 – Sauté the Aromatics

Adding cooked aromatics like garlic and pepper flakes enhances the flavor of the beans.

• In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat.

• Once hot, add the smashed garlic cloves. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden brown.

• Remove the garlic from the pot and set aside. It can be added back in later if desired.

Step 4 – Simmer the Beans

Now it’s time to simmer the beans until perfectly tender.

• Return the pot to medium-low heat and add the soaked beans.

• Pour in the vegetable broth and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil.

• Add the optional red pepper flakes and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

• Increase the heat and bring the beans to a boil.

• Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 2 hours. Stir periodically and add a splash of water if needed to keep beans submerged.

• The beans are finished when very soft and creamy throughout. Taste a few beans for doneness.

Step 5 – Season and Finish

After simmering, the beans need to rest for optimal flavor and texture.

• Remove from heat and stir in the kosher salt.

• Replace the lid and allow beans to sit in the pot for 1-2 hours. This allows them to soak up any remaining liquid.

• If not using right away, allow beans to cool completely before transferring to a sealed container. They will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

• To reheat, simmer beans gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to loosen them up.

And that’s it – now you can enjoy perfectly cooked gigante beans ready for any recipe! These substantial white beans work wonderfully in soups, stews, salads, sides, and more. Their mild taste complements both Mediterranean and Latin flavors. They make an excellent plant-based protein source.

Some tasty ways to use your homemade gigante beans:

• Toss in a Greek salad with feta, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and oregano dressing

• Add to vegetable soup with squash, spinach, and dill

• Mash with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for bean dip

• Layer in a burrito bowl with rice, veggies, avocado, and salsa

• Combine with roasted veggies and pesto pasta

• Simmer in a Tuscan white bean stew with kale and sausage

• Purée with broth for creamy bean soup

• Fold into rice pilaf with carrots, onions, and herbs

With a little planning, you can have a batch of gigante beans ready to turn into all kinds of delicious dishes. Just remember to soak them well, simmer them low and slow, and take care not to overcook them. When prepared properly, these giant beans will become an MVP ingredient in your kitchen!