Tag: Gigantes

Over 300 years ago, farmers in the Kastoria region of northern Greece began cultivating the distinctive large white beans that would become a staple of Greek cuisine. Today, these creamy, buttery legumes are celebrated in countless dishes, from rustic casseroles to fresh salads. But outside of Greece, many wonder: what are Greek white beans called?

Research shows beans have been a staple in the Greek diet for centuries. Gigantes, meaning "giants," are large, meaty white beans, a variety of white runner bean native to Greece that are prized for their creamy, buttery texture.

Over 50% of people who search for "gigantes" also search for "butter beans," reflecting the common confusion around these large white beans. While often used interchangeably, and being closely related, gigantes and butter beans are not exactly the same thing.

A single serving of the classic baked Gigantes Plaki can contain anywhere from 180 to over 500 calories, a wide range that primarily depends on preparation style. Understanding how many calories are in Gigantes Greek food requires looking beyond the giant beans themselves to the other ingredients that contribute to the final dish. The creamy, rich texture of this comfort food staple can come with a surprisingly high-calorie density if not prepared mindfully, as extra virgin olive oil and other add-ins significantly impact the nutritional profile.

A cup of plain cooked gigantes beans contains approximately 209 calories, a number that dramatically increases when prepared as the traditional baked gigantes plaki dish. Understanding the exact calorie count for gigantes depends entirely on the preparation, with a significant difference between the beans alone and the finished meal.