My Favourite Greek Fava Recipe

Introduction

My favourite Greek Fava is a creamy, smooth yellow split pea dip that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This traditional Greek dish is simple to make and perfect as an appetizer or a healthy snack. The caramelized onions add a lovely sweet contrast that elevates the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 litre boiling water (for soaking the split peas)
• 250 g yellow split peas (Greek Fava)
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 1 leek
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 litre boiling water (for cooking)
• 2 vegetable or chicken stock cubes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 red onion (for caramelizing)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing)
• 1 tsp honey (for caramelizing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the yellow split peas in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the water becomes dark, then let the peas soak for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain the peas and transfer them to a separate bowl. Set aside until needed.
3. Step 3: Chop the onion, carrot, and leek into small pieces.
4. Step 4: Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot and sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and leek until soft.
5. Step 5: Add 1 litre of boiling water, the soaked split peas, bay leaves, stock cubes, sugar, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the peas are completely soft.
6. Step 6: Strain the cooked peas and vegetables through a strainer, saving the cooking liquid in a bowl.
7. Step 7: Discard the bay leaves. In a blender, combine half of the split peas with the sautéed vegetables and some of the reserved liquid. Puree until smooth, gradually adding extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice to create a soft, creamy texture.
8. Step 8: If the puree seems too watery, blend the remaining peas with little or no liquid and mix with the first batch. If the texture is good, puree the second batch the same way as the first and combine.
9. Step 9: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning with salt and additional lemon juice if needed. Keep in mind the dip will thicken as it cools.
10. Step 10: For the caramelized onions, slice the red onion thinly and fry in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
11. Step 11: Once the onions start to caramelize, add 1 teaspoon of honey and stir until the onions are glossy and sweet.
12. Step 12: Serve the Greek Fava dip topped with the caramelized onions and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tips & Variations

• Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and creaminess in the dip.
• If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the amount of cooking liquid used when blending.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable stock cubes instead of chicken stock.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.
• Serve with warm pita bread or crisp vegetables for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover Fava dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dip may thicken in the fridge; simply stir in a little water or olive oil to loosen it before serving. Caramelized onions can be stored separately and reheated gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yellow split peas instead of Greek Fava?

Yes, regular yellow split peas work well as a substitute for Greek Fava in this recipe and will yield a similar creamy texture.

Is this dip served hot or cold?

Greek Fava can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature. It tends to thicken when chilled, so many prefer it slightly cooled or warmed up before serving.

My Favourite Greek Fava Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

A traditional Greek Fava recipe featuring creamy yellow split peas pureed with sautéed vegetables, enhanced with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, topped with sweet caramelized red onions for a perfect Mediterranean dip.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dip
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 litre Water (33.8 fl.oz) (boiling, for soaking the split peas)
• 250 g Yellow split peas/Greek Fava (8.8 oz)
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Onion
• 1 Leek
• 6 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 litre Water (boiling)
• 2 Vegetable or chicken stock cubes
• Pepper
• 1 Lemon (juice of 1 lemon)

Caramelized Onion Topping

• 1 Red onion
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tsp Honey

Instructions

1. Soak the split peas: Put the yellow split peas (Fava) in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the water becomes dark. Let the peas soak for 5 minutes.
2. Drain and set aside: Pour off the soaking water and transfer the peas to a separate bowl until needed.
3. Chop vegetables: Finely chop the onion, carrot, and leek to prepare them for sautéing.
4. Sauté vegetables: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and leek until they become soft and fragrant.
5. Cook the split peas: Add 1 litre of boiling water, the soaked yellow split peas, bay leaves, stock cubes, granulated sugar, and pepper to the pan with the vegetables. Simmer gently for 20 minutes until the peas are completely soft.
6. Strain peas: Use a strainer to separate the peas from the cooking liquid. Save the liquid in a bowl and discard the bay leaves.
7. First puree batch: Place half of the cooked peas and vegetables in a blender along with some of the reserved cooking liquid. Puree until smooth, then slowly add extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, blending to create a soft, creamy puree.
8. Second puree batch: Puree the remaining peas with little or no liquid, then mix this thicker puree with the first batch to reach desired consistency.
9. Adjust seasonings: Taste the dip and add extra salt and/or lemon juice if needed, remembering the fava dip thickens as it cools.
10. Prepare caramelized onion: Slice the red onion and fry it in olive oil. As soon as it starts to caramelize, add 1 teaspoon of honey and stir to coat evenly. Continue cooking until golden and sweet.
11. Serve: Spoon the caramelized onions on top of the Greek Fava dip and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• Soaking the split peas briefly helps to remove bitterness and improve texture.
• Adjust the amount of cooking liquid to achieve your preferred consistency.
• Using fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of olive oil.
• This dip thickens as it cools; consider serving slightly looser than desired.
• Caramelized onions add a sweet, savory contrast that enhances the dish.
• Can be served as an appetizer with pita bread or raw vegetables.

Keywords: Greek fava, fava dip, yellow split peas, Mediterranean dip, caramelized onion dip, vegetarian appetizer