Gigantes Spanaki (Baked Greek Butter Beans with Spinach and Pine Nuts)

A Classic Greek-Inspired Dish with a Twist! It’s a gluten-free, GERD-friendly take on a traditional favourite

“I love making Gigantes Spanaki because it’s full of flavour, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal. This version uses rich butter beans, fresh leeks, spinach, and a touch of anchovies for an umami boost, creating a hearty dish that’s gentle on digestion.

By “cooking out” the anchovies, we concentrate their flavour, adding depth without overwhelming the palate.”

As always, feel free to adjust ingredients based on your tolerance—these recipes are designed to provide a flavourful escape from bland meals during GERD episodes.

Celiac, Gluten Free, Gerd friendly Gigantes Spanaki

Ingredients:

1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 large leek, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
4-5 anchovies, chopped
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
1/2 teaspoon sumac
Salt to taste
Fresh chives and parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Sauté the Leeks:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped leek until soft.
Add Spinach and Parsley:
- Add the spinach and parsley to the pan with a splash of water. Cover and let it wilt for 5 minutes.
Evaporate Liquid and Add Anchovies:
- Remove the lid and allow liquid to evaporate. Stir in the chopped anchovies to concentrate the umami flavor.
Add Spices and Beans:
- Stir in asafoetida, sumac, and butter beans. Cook through.
Combine Beans and Lemon:
- Add the butter beans and cook through. Stir in the lemon zest.
Bake:
- Transfer everything to a baking dish, squeeze lemon juice over, and bake at 375°F (190°C) or air-fry until the beans pop and turn golden (about 15-20 minutes).
Garnish:
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and chives. Serve with lamb or fish.

Health Insights:

Butter beans: Rich in fiber and protein, supporting digestive and heart health.
Spinach: High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, promoting healthy immune function and blood circulation.
Anchovies: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, helping with heart health and providing umami flavor.
Leeks: Rich in prebiotics, promoting gut health and aiding digestion.
Pine nuts: Packed with healthy fats and magnesium, supporting bone health and energy production.

Why not try some of my other delicious recipes & videos by clicking here, and explore more insights about health, diet, and well-being in my blog posts!

Don’t forget to visit the rest of my website for helpful tips on managing GERD, gluten-free meals, and maintaining overall wellness.

You can also find links to some of my personal stories and health journey, offering a deeper connection between food and healing

Just the Start!

These recipes are just the start of your journey to healthier, more enjoyable meals that fit your lifestyle and dietary needs. Whether you’re dealing with Celiac Disease, GERD, or just looking for some nutritious meal ideas, I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Remember, eating well doesn’t have to be boring or complicated—it can be delicious and satisfying too!

Overtime I will be adding more recipes, putting links, shopping lists, add videos and tailored for different needs Please bear with me … it’s a work in progress!

If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Feel free to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made to suit your taste. Happy cooking!