Gigante Beans vs Large Lima Beans

Gigante Beans vs Large Lima Beans

When cooking up a recipe that calls for large white beans, the first two that probably come to mind are gigante beans and large lima beans. While different, these beings share many similarities and are used interchangeably in several recipes. That said, gigante beans are a staple ingredient that can typically only be found at specialty food stores. So, if you're recreating a family recipe and want to ensure that your dish is as authentic as possible, you'll want to use the correct type of bean. Continue scrolling to learn more about gigante beans vs. large lima beans to determine which you should use in your next recipe.

Gigante Beans

The term gigante beans can refer to a couple of different thingsa type of bean and the method used to cook that bean. First and most commonly, gigante beans refer to a large white bean used in traditional Greek dishes. Gigante beans are bigger than large lima beans and have a creamy texture. They are named gigante after the Greek word giant and are often used to make a plate called Gigante Plaki. Gigante Plaki is the method of cooking gigante beans, in which they are baked in an oven with a sauce made of tomato, onion, garlic, parsley and olive oil.

Gigante Bean Uses

You can use gigante beans in many different ways. Gigante beans' ability to maintain their shape and offer a creamy texture makes them an excellent ingredient in soup and stew recipes. Additionally, gigante beans' flat and wide surface makes them a great option if you're making a bean-based side dish. Gigantes Plaki

Where to Find Gigante Beans

Tracking down gigante beans can be a bit tricky. Gigante beans are typically purchased online or in specialty and Greek markets. So, if you plan to cook a recipe that calls for gigante beans, you will want to prepare and buy the beans ahead of time. If you can't find gigante beans, you can use a suitable bean substitute to recreate the desired dish. Large lima beans, also known as butter beans, have a remarkably similar shape and texture to gigante beans, and the two can be used interchangeably in several recipes.

Gigante Bean Nutritional Information

Gigante beans are great for you. Full of complex carbs, gigante beans provide long-lasting and stable energy for your body. Foods rich in complex carbs can also keep you fuller for longer, helping you resist the urge to snack on unhealthy treats between meals. In addition to carbohydrates, gigante beans contain fiber and protein, two nutrients that work with your body to promote a healthy well-working digestive system.

Ways to Use Gigante Beans

Gigante beans are versatile and hearty and can be used in many dishes. Use gigante beans as a substitute for potatoes or rice, or chill them and add them to your favorite fresh salad recipe. Gigante beans' flavor varies depending on the ingredients you combine them with, Making them an excellent addition to sweet, savory and salty side dishes. Here are a few ways that we love to use gigantic beans.

Creamed Gigante Beans

If you are a fan of creamed spinach and want to add another creamy dish to your recipe book, creamed gigante beans are a perfect place to start. By adding cream and butter to the already silky texture of these beans, you can create a side dish that pairs perfectly with a protein like chicken, meat, or fish. Creamed gigante beans can also be used as a substitute for mashed potatoes or rice if you want to lighten up on starches. Dont have a creamed gigante bean recipe on hand? A quick google search for creamed lima beans will provide you with dozens of options. gigante beans

Slow Cooker Soup

A gigante bean's large size allows it to maintain its shape better than most beans when cooked, making them the perfect bean to use when making slow cooker soup. Combine gigante beans with ingredients like ham and onion to create a southern-inspired soup that your family won't be able to get enough of.

Large Lima Beans

large lima beans Lima beans are a white bean originating in Lima, Peru. There are several different varieties of lima beans. Small lima beans are often called baby limas, whereas the bigger lima beans have been nicknamed large limas, butter beans, and Madagascar beans. Large lima beans are almost solely referred to as butter beans in the Southern United States and the United Kingdom due to their creamy and tender buttery flavor.

Lima Bean Uses

Like gigante beans, lima beans are very versatile beans. The flavor of lima beans is so mild that they are often used as a replacement for several different types of white beans and substituted at a 1-to-1 ratio. In addition, because lima beans are a high-protein legume, they are often used in several vegan and vegetarian recipes and provide a source of plant-based protein.

Where to Find Lima Beans

When searching for lima beans, you'll be happy to know that this popular legume is available in nearly all grocery stores. Dried, canned and frozen lima beans can be purchased online or in stores, and the type required is determined by the recipe you're looking to create. On the other hand, fresh lima beans are a bit harder to find. Generally only available in the United States in late summer to early fall, large lima beans may be found at farmer's markets and local stands during this time of year. When purchased fresh, lima beans may be found in shelled form or in green fuzzy pods. Lima Bean Precautions Lima beans are excellent for you, so you'll naturally want to use them in your favorite recipes. That said, when eating lima beans, you want to ensure that they're thoroughly cooked before you bite them. This is because raw lima beans contain a chemical compound called linamarin, which breaks down into cyanide when the bean is chewed or damaged. Most lima beans cultivated and grown in the US are regulated to ensure they contain very low amounts. Still, you'll want to boil lima beans for 5-10 minutes before enjoying them to reduce any of the cyanide that is left. Lima Beans casserole

Lima Bean Nutrition

Lima beans are a fantastic source of nutrition and an easy way to boost the health benefits of your meals. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber and iron and contain significant amounts of soluble fiber. Lima beans also offer 9 grams of protein per serving, making them a perfect option for plant-based eaters. Combining lima beans with whole grain ingredients like brown rice will provide a complete protein source similar to meat, sans the calories and fat.

Lima Bean Recipes

If you're eager to begin cooking with lima beans, we have the perfect place for you to start. Try out one of the recipes below and let us know what you think.

Cool Lima Bean and Couscous Salad

The perfect summertime dish, this fresh and veggie-packed Cool Lima Bean and Couscous Salad is overflowing with flavor. This recipe combines golden couscous with lima beans and is topped with a cumin-scented lemon-sherry dressing. A great plate to bring to your next potluck or picnic, it is sure to impress everyone who tries it.

Ensalada De Quinoa

ensalada de quinoa Ensalada De Quinoa is a fantastic option whether you're preparing for a trip to Peru or bringing Peruvian flavors into your home. A delicious and nutritious plate, it's filled with whole food ingredients like green lima beans, yellow corn and red quinoa, ensuring that you meet all your nutritional needs. Kids will love the many colors in this dish, and adults will go crazy for its flavor.

Gigante Beans vs. Lima Beans Overview

While gigantic beans and lima beans are two different types of beans, they share many similarities and can be used interchangeably. Gigantes beans are often much harder to find, which makes lima beans the popular option for traditional Greek dishes like Gigantes Plaki. If you are at the grocery store and find a bag of gigante beans, we encourage you to try it out and see what you think. However, if you'd like to make a plate of Greek-style baked beans and worry that you won't find any, lima beans are an excellent substitute. Want to learn more about lima beans before adding them to your weekly menu? Check out the articles Are Lima Beans Good for You? and How to Cook Lima Beans for more information about this versatile legume. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, We Wish You a healthy and happy day. Have you cooked with gigante beans before? We'd love to hear about the unique and tasty meals you cook with this bean. Share your favorite gigante bean recipes with us in the comments below. We can't wait to hear from you.  
Bob's Red Mill
September 08 2022

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