Greek Style Baked Beans with Tomatoes and Dill
Savor the heartiness of Greek cuisine with this rustic and flavorsome dish of baked beans, simmered in a rich tomato sauce and infused with the freshness of dill. This Greek Style Baked Beans with Tomatoes and Dill recipe brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table, perfect as a comforting dinner or a substantial mezze option.
Equipment
- Ovenproof pot with lid
- Large pot for boiling beans
- Colander for draining beans
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14-ounce or 400g
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and rinse the soaked navy beans. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large ovenproof pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add the pre-cooked beans and water to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the beans are soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from the oven, stir in the chopped dill, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or two during the baking process. If you prefer a more traditional Greek experience, try using gigantes beans instead of navy beans. As a time-saving tip, canned beans can be used in place of dried beans to cut down on prep time; just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before use.