Residents of the Mediterranean basin—especially countries like Italy and Greece—love their beans. Beans are an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, not only for practical purposes (when religious fasts require non- animal proteins), but also for palatable purposes, since beans can be prepared in so many delicious ways. If you haven’t yet been sold on the pleasures of beans, Trader Joe’s Giant Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce makes a mouthwatering case. Our Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce is modeled after the traditional Greek dish called gigandes plaki; although, we’ve adjusted the recipe a bit, as we do. Our supplier (in Greece!) takes cannellini beans (in place of traditional, smaller runner beans), and soaks and boils them until they are plump and soft, not to mention Giant (relatively speaking, of course). These big Beans are combined with a Tomato Sauce that includes strips of onion, and finely chopped parsley and dill. It’s seasoned with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. This simple, yet delectable, mixture is baked to a rich consistency and finally, canned for you. Canned? you say. Don’t let the can fool you. This ready-to-eat dish with its smooth, aromatic sauce; cubes of peeled tomatoes; and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beans does not disappoint—even enjoyed at room temperature, straight out of the can. Serve these Giant Beans in a little white bowl as part of a meze spread. Or, warm it up and combine with some wilted spinach and top with Crumbled Feta. It even makes a quick, compact vegetarian lunch—no refrigeration required!