Greek Fava Recipe - Split Pea Dip
Greek Fava is a smooth, creamy, and delicious yellow split pea dip that has been a simple favorite in Greece for many years.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 125kcal
Equipment
- 1 kitchen scale
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
- 1 medium carrot (roughly chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup split peas
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
To Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon shallots or red onions (finely diced)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or cumin powder
Instructions
- Start by soaking the yellow split peas in plenty of water overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours. Water should be at least double the amount of the split peas as they will expand.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the roughly chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped carrots along with garlic, salt, and bayleaf, and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
- Drain the split peas and add them to the pan along with 2 cups of water, making sure to cover them by about two inches.
- Bring the pan to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 50 minutes, or until the split peas are softened, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Once the peas are tender, drain if there are any remaining liquid. Remove the bayleaf and discard it.
- Place the mixture in a blender or food processor, add two tablespoons of lemon juice, and blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer the blended fava to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and garnish with capers and finely chopped red onions or shallots. Sprinkle on paprika or cumin to add colour and warmth.
Notes
- Soak the yellow split peas in plenty of water overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours.
- For a smoother dip, blend the fava longer and add water as needed to thin it out. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend it less.
- Remove the bayleaf before blending the mixture.
- Different brand of split peas might require different cooking time. Take the timing as a guide and cook your split peas longer if necessary.
- Store any leftover fava in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1313IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg