Gigantes Plaki

Instructions

1- Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water.

2- Drain, rinse, then place in a pan covered with water.

3- Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, then simmer for approx 50 mins until slightly tender but not soft.

4- Drain, then set aside.

5- Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

6- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan, tip in the onion and garlic, then cook over a medium heat for 10 mins until softened but not browned.

7- Add the tomato purée, cook for a further min, add remaining ingredients, then simmer for 2-3 mins.

8- Season generously, then stir in the beans.

9- Tip into a large ovenproof dish, then bake for approximately 1 hr, uncovered and without stirring, until the beans are tender.

10- The beans will absorb all the fabulous flavours and the sauce will thicken.

11- Allow to cool, then scatter with parsley and drizzle with a little more olive oil to serve.