When I visited my Chicago daughter last summer I tried the most delicious deli salad made with giant white beans. One bean filled up a teaspoon…gigante is the perfect name for them…and their texture is firm and meaty. I could image all sorts of dishes made with these beans and they were on my shopping list when I returned home to Portland. Wouldn’t you know…I couldn’t find them anywhere and pretty much forgot about them until I went back to Chicago a few weeks ago.
One of my favorite places to shop in the Chicago area is Pete’s Fresh Market in Oakbrook and I found the giant beans I was looking for there in the Mediterranean section of the store. I have since found them on Amazon if you are interested in trying them yourself. I made a big pot of beans for the holiday weekend in my slow cooker…why I don’t use that more is something I can’t figure out…and was knocked over by how delicious this simple recipe for bistro style beans is. And it’s one of those wonderful dishes that is even better the second day. On the first night I ladled up bowls of gigante bean stew and topped them with slices of roasted chicken breast and slices of crusty bread. The second night I didn’t bother with the chicken because all we wanted on our plates was more beans and bread.
Can you believe these beans? In the photo below the first bean is a dried cannellini bean, the second is a dried gigante bean, and the third is a gigante bean soaked overnight. And it gets even bigger as it cooks. Crazy isn’t it!
This recipe is so simple. Everything but the salt, pepper and shaved Parmesan go into the slow cooker and is cooked for around six hours. Then the beans are seasoned with the salt and pepper and cooked until tender, another 2 hours (approximately). The longer they simmer the better they are. You can turn the cooker to low at this point if the beans are nice and tender. Salt and taste…salt and taste…there is salt in the Parmesan cheese,bacon and chicken stock and getting the right amount of salt is important.
Parmesan cheese rinds are another thing I haven’t been able to find in the grocery stores in my area. Not saying they aren’t here. I just haven’t seen them. So when I saw a big display at Standard Market in Westmont…another one of my favorite markets in Chicago… I bought enough to get me through several pots of soup and more recipes of gigante beans. They add an amazing flavor and aroma to this dish and are worth seeking out if you make this recipe. This is an amazingly delicious dish and every ingredient is important so it’s worth it to use the best you can find.
I used 8 ounces of dried beans (soaked overnight in water to cover) and 4 cups chicken stock in this recipe and I didn’t have to add any additional liquid while the beans cooked. Next time I will add 5 cups of stock because we L-O-V-E-D the broth. With this much liquid you don’t have to worry about the beans drying out. The beans can cook over night and be ready the next morning or, if you put the pot on early they will be ready by dinner time. Be prepared for the most heavenly aroma greeting you when you walk into the house at the end of the day. It may knock you over too.
This delicious recipe is based on one I found at Alexandra’s Kitchen.
- 8 ounces dried Gigante beans or other white beans (soaked in water overnight, then drained)
- 1 bay leaf
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 14.75 ounce can diced tomatoes
- a few sprigs thyme
- 3 oz. thick sliced bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces
- parmesan rind if you have one
- 4+ cups chicken or vegetable stock, preferably homemade
- 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Place everything but the salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese into a crockpot. Cook on high for at least six hours. After the six hours add salt to taste. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more hours. Be sure to check on liquid levels every so often. Add more stock as needed.
- Ladle broth into bowls over toasted bread or serve toasted bread on the side. Shave Parmesan cheese over top. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if you wish.
I first had these beans in Greece and like you, I couldn’t find them…thank goodness for Amazon! Your recipe looks delicious. I am going to have to try making them in the slow cooker…that would be so easy!
Kate recently posted..Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Over Pasta
This is the easiest recipe ever, Kate. The flavors blend so well in the slow cooker. I hope you enjoy it.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
That looks so delicious. I’m going to look for those beans.
If you like beans you will love this recipe, Ramona. Thanks for your comment.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
Being a Southerner I absolutely adore beans, but I’ve never seen these giant ones. What a find. Beans with tomatoes and bacon are always a hit with me.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Chicken Cutlets with Raspberries, Lemon Rice & Green Beans Gremolata + Valentines Day Dessert Ideas
These beans have a hearty, meaty texture that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish. I hope you try it, Sam. I know you would like it.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
This bean soup/stew/bowl of yummieness………looks amazing. Ironically I live 3 minutes from Pete’s fresh market….who knew! I’m a snow bird in Florida right now but come May….I’m headed to Pete’s for these
dynamite beans….great recipe, thank you, warmly, Carol
Hi Carol – I’m green with envy that you live so close that that great market. We don’t have anything like it where I live. I became addicted to many of the cookies in their bakery case, and I love all their international foods. My daughter lives in Downer’s Grove and I hear it’s pretty cold there today. Thanks for your comment.
Cathy recently posted..Bistro Style Gigante Beans with Tomatoes and Bacon
This is my kind of meal Cathy, beans and bacon=heaven:@)
Lynn recently posted..Go ahead, play with your food…
It’s a combination that can’t be beaten, Lynn. This is comfort food at its best.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
This makes me want to get out my slow cooker. I wonder if I can find these beans in Florida. Will give it a try. Thanks Cathy.
Penny recently posted..Pappardelle with Salmon and Leeks
This is a perfect slow cooker dish, Penny. You can just put it on and forget it. The wonderful aroma in your house will remind you that it is cooking.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
Those are some giant beans and as a bean lover I’m off to check out Amazon – Your dish looks delicious
Larry recently posted..Our Valentine’s Day Meals
Thanks, Larry. This recipe is a winner for sure.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
Oh yum! I have a friend coming to visit and I’m going to make this for her. I know she’ll love it! Thanks Cathy!
Hi Chris. I hope you and your friend enjoy this easy dish. I just made it and am ready to make it again. Thank you for your comment.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
Oh Cathy, I’ve never seen those beans, but they look fabulous. Thanks for sharing your recipe and all your tips. I’d love to try it!
Kitty recently posted..Raspberry Buckle and My Paper Rose Lights
It’s fun to try something new and I love the comments I get when I serve these huge beans. My friends and family have never seen them before. I hope you give it a try, Kitty.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
What wonderful beans! I have never had them, but I am completely intrigued. I will have to get some and get my slow cooker down from the cabinet!
Adri recently posted..The White Widow – a Punch Abruzzo cocktail
With the exception of garbanzo beans (smile) I adore any other kind of bean. I’ve seen these, in jars, at Trader Joe’s (they are marinated and quite tasty)– but, never dry. These look fantastic, and I love the idea of the cheese rinds. (By the way, I buy them at Whole Foods and keep them in my freezer.) I can see adapting these to cook in my pressure cooker in a fraction of the time. This is my kind of comfort food!
Foodiewife recently posted..Mexican Pork Carnitas/Pulled Pork (with a little help from my pressure cooker)
Thanks for the tip about the cheese rinds. I’ll make a point to stop by Whole Foods the next time I’m close by. It’s quite a trek from where I live. These beans are now one of my favorite foods. they are hearty and absorb the flavors of what they are cooked with. I’m sure you could cook them in no time in your pressure cooker. Geez…another reason to buy one.
Cathy recently posted..Bistro Style Gigante Beans with Tomatoes and Bacon
Wow, those are some big beans! I’ve never seen them around here, but I’m wondering if I could find the seeds to grow them myself. Maybe I’ll have my son in Chicago send me some, because now I’ve just got to try them! 🙂
Betty recently posted..Chocolate Peanut Butter Globs
It would be fun to see if you can find the seeds, Betty. When my supply runs out I know my Chicago daughter will send me some. I can’t find them where I live. Thanks for your comment.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
This looks like a holiday..I don’t know how I missed this post..I ahve been crafting ..and I guess spending less time here..
I am Pinning and will look for those beans..Thank you.Don’t you love great markets?
Monique recently posted..Linda’s Lentil Soup~And delicious tomato tarts too:)
Oh, I do love a good market, Monique. I can spend hours wandering around looking at all the things I’ve never seen before. I usually come home from Chicago with a suitcase full of new things to try.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
We just returned from a short vacation and need to get back into cooking. This recipe sounds delicious and I can’t wait to begin my search for those beans!
Susan recently posted..Caramelized Onion Pasta with Madeira
I hope you can find the beans, Susan. I’ve seen numerous recipes that call for them and I think they will make a great summer dish to serve with grilled meats. It’s fun to find something new.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
What more could one want in a bowl? I’ve never seen or heard of those beans (at least not by that name). I know Pete’s!! Oakbrook is my favorite shopping center.
Best,
Bonnie
How lucky you are to be able to shop at a place like Pete’s. I wanted to bring a suitcase of stuff home with me. They have some addictive cookies in their bakery case. It’s probably best that I can’t shop there on a regular basis. Thanks for your comment, Bonnie.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
Wow, my senses of taste and smell are aroused with this dish. Are they lupine beans by any chance? Or something completely different?
I don’t think they are lupini beans, Linda, but I’m not positive. Several sources say that they are a member of the lima bean family and don’t get any more specific than that. They are a staple in Greek cuisine. I’m looking forward to trying more recipes with them.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
I gave my crock pot to my daughter! Do you think stove top would work, or should I just get a new crockpot, I love this recipe! Getting those beans tomorrow!
I think stove top would work, Marie. I think I would try a cast iron covered pot in the oven too. It takes them a long time to cook. The long, slow simmering is the secret. Every time I clean my cupboards I think about getting rid of my crockpot but a few things are cooked best in it so I end up keeping it.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
I have never been much of a bean lover, but recently I am learning. These giant beans sound wonderful. I may just have to cook this. Thanks!
Marilyn recently posted..The Beauty of Tea Time
You are welcome, Marilyn. this recipe really is delicious. Hope you try it.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
I had never seen gigante beans until our recent trip to Florida where they were served with an entree. They are very good and I’m sure your dish was terrific.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..What A Winter
The beans are very hearty and would make a delicious entree by themselves. . I’m planning on serving them as a side dish with grilled meats this summer. They soak up the flavor of whatever they are cooked with. Thank you for your comment, Karen.
Cathy recently posted..Buckwheat Browned Butter Madeleines
Hello Cathy,
I have a question about the bean soup. Did you cook the bacon first? My broth has an extremely smokey flavor and I was wondering if I should have browned the bacon first for a more subtle flavor. Love your recipes.
Debbie
Hi Debby – I didn’t brown the bacon first. I used an applewood smoked bacon that had a mild, delicious flavor. I don’t know if browning it first would reduce the smokiness. If you drain off the fat it probably would tone it down a bit. If you make it again I would just use different bacon with a milder flavor. Thanks so much for your comment.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Chicken and Shrimp Paella
Hi Cathy,
I am looking for all the great blog links you used to have on your blog. I can’t seem to access them any more.
Debbie