Greek Fava – Yellow Split Peas Dip Recipe
Greek Fava is a traditional yellow split pea dip that is creamy, flavorful, and rich in nutrients. Made by simmering yellow split peas with aromatics and then blending them to a smooth consistency, this dish is garnished with fresh vegetables and tangy lemon juice for a perfect appetizer or side dish. It’s nutritious, vegan, and perfect served warm or at room temperature with some extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
For The Fava:
- 200 grams (1 cup) fava beans (yellow split peas)
- 600 ml water or vegetable stock
- 1 small onion, skinned
- 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅔ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Baby capers
- Finely sliced red onion
- Diced tomatoes (pulp removed)
- Lemon halves to squeeze on top
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fava beans, water or vegetable stock, onion, carrot, sea salt, and bay leaf into a small cooking pot. This combination helps infuse the fava beans with flavor during cooking.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer over low heat without stirring, allowing the fava beans to absorb almost all of the liquid. This process takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Once cooked, remove the carrot, onion, and bay leaf to prevent overpowering flavors.
- Mash the Fava: Using a spoon or an immersion blender, mash the cooked fava beans into a smooth and creamy consistency. This step is crucial for achieving the traditional texture of the dip.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Mix in the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice into the mashed fava. If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish: Top the dip with finely sliced red onions, baby capers, and diced tomatoes. This adds texture, color, and complementary flavors.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with extra squeezed lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added brightness and richness.
- Store and Reheat: Store any leftovers in a food container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the dip on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender instead of mashing by hand.
- If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon juice to taste.
- To keep the dish vegan, ensure your vegetable stock is free from animal products.
- Fava can be served as a standalone dip or as a side dish with crusty bread or fresh vegetables.
- Store in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Keywords: Greek Fava, yellow split pea dip, fava beans, vegan dip, Greek appetizer, vegetarian, healthy dip, Mediterranean recipe
