Gigantes Plaki (Giant Beans with Tomato Sauce)

If you are in the mood for Greek-themed dish with lots of tomato, and some beans for substance, this is for you.  Flavors of dill and garlic make it pop.

Ingredients

• 2 cans butter beans, drained
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 3 T tomato paste
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 T olive oil
• 1 t paprika
• 1 t salt
• 1/4 c parsley, chopped coarsely
• 1/4 c dill, chopped coarsely
• 1/2 c to 1 c feta, crumbled

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375C
2. Heat oil in medium large sauce pan over medium heat, add onions and celery, and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes
3. Add garlic and paprika, and cook about 1 minute, until fragrant
4. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and salt, and simmer until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes
5. Mix parsley, dill, and beans with tomato sauce, then transfer to a casserole dish.
6. Sprinkle feta over top of dish, and cook for 50-60 minutes, until top is browned and mixture is bubbling.