Greek Style Butter Beans

How to make Greek Style Butter Beans.

Ingredients: Serves 6-8

• 400 g dried giant beans
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp concentrated tomato paste/pureé
• 800 g crushed tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• couple of pinches of ground cinnamon
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley

Method:

1. Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water.
2. Drain, rinse and drain again.
3. Place in a large pan covered with fresh water.
4. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, then simmer gently for 50-60 minutes, until the beans are tender but not too soft.
5. Drain once the beans are cooked.
6. Heat the oven to 180C/350F.
7. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over moderately low heat.
8. Add the onion and fry for about 7-8 minutes.
9. Add the garlic and fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
10. Add the tomato puree and sauté for 1 minute.
11. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the beans) and cook for 2-3 minutes.
12. Season generously with honey or sugar, oregano, salt and pepper, then tip in the drained cooked beans.
13. Transfer the mixture into a large ovenproof dish and bake for approximately one hour.
14. Don’t cover and don’t stir.
15. The dish is ready when the tomato sauce has thickened and the beans are soft and flavoursome.
16. Remove from the oven and leave to cool down a little.
17. Scatter the parsley on top and drizzle with some extra olive oil.
18. Serve and enjoy!