My Favourite Greek Fava Recipe

Introduction

My favourite Greek Fava is a creamy and flavorful split pea dip that’s simple to prepare and perfect as a starter or snack. This traditional Greek recipe combines yellow split peas with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon for a luscious and healthy dish.

Ingredients

• 1 litre Water (33.8 fl.oz) (boiling, to soak 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)
• Pepper
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 litre Water (boiling)
• 2 Vegetable or chicken stock cubes
• 1 Lemon juice (of 1 lemon)
• 1 Red onion
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Put the yellow split peas in a bowl, pour boiling water over them, and stir with a wooden spoon until the water darkens. Let them soak for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Pour off the soaking water and transfer the peas to a separate bowl. Set aside until needed.
3. Step 3: Chop the onion, carrot, and leek into small pieces.
4. Step 4: Sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and leek in olive oil over medium heat until softened.
5. Step 5: Add 1 litre of boiling water, the soaked yellow split peas, bay leaves, stock cubes, sugar, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until the peas are completely soft.
6. Step 6: Strain the peas from the cooking liquid using a strainer, saving the liquid in a bowl. Discard the bay leaves.
7. Step 7: Add half of the split peas along with the sautéed vegetables and some of the reserved liquid into a blender. Puree until smooth. Gradually add extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice while blending to create a soft puree.
8. Step 8: If the dip is too watery, puree the remaining peas with little or no liquid and mix with the first batch. If you prefer, blend the second half like the first and combine.
9. Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and/or lemon juice if needed. Remember the dip will thicken as it cools.
10. Step 10: For the caramelized onion topping, slice the red onion thinly and fry it gently in olive oil.
11. Step 11: As the onion starts to caramelize, add the honey and stir well until the onions are golden and sticky.
12. Step 12: Serve the Greek Fava dip topped with the caramelized onions and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the dip longer or pass it through a fine sieve.
• Try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
• For a vegan option, use vegetable stock cubes instead of chicken.

Storage

Store the Greek Fava dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It may thicken when chilled—simply stir in a little water or olive oil before serving to loosen the texture. The caramelized onions can be kept separately and added fresh when serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried yellow split peas without soaking them first?

Soaking the split peas briefly helps remove impurities and improves texture, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you skip soaking, rinse the peas well and allow longer cooking time until they’re soft.

Is Greek Fava gluten-free?

Yes, traditional Greek Fava made from yellow split peas and vegetables is naturally gluten-free, but always check your stock cubes and other ingredients to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.

My Favourite Greek Fava Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

This classic Greek Fava recipe is a velvety smooth yellow split pea dip, enriched with sautéed vegetables, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect as a wholesome appetizer or snack, it’s garnished with sweet caramelized red onions for an irresistible finish.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek Mediterranean
• 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, chopped
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Leek, chopped
• 6 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 litre Water (boiling, for cooking)
• 2 Vegetable or chicken stock cubes
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 Lemon, juiced

Caramelized Onion Garnish

• 1 Red onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Honey

Instructions

1. Soak the Yellow Split Peas: Place the split peas in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the water darkens, then 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 to set aside.
3. Prepare Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrot, and leek into small pieces.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In a pan, sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and leek in olive oil over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant.
5. Simmer the Peas: Add the boiling water, soaked yellow split peas, bay leaves, stock cubes, sugar, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the peas are completely soft.
6. Strain Mixture: Use a strainer to separate the peas and vegetables from the cooking liquid. Reserve the liquid in a bowl and discard the bay leaves.
7. Blend First Batch: Place half of the cooked peas and vegetables into a blender with some reserved cooking liquid. Puree until smooth, then gradually add extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice while blending to achieve a creamy, soft puree.
8. Blend Second Batch: Blend the remaining peas with little or no liquid until smooth. Combine this puree with the first batch. Adjust texture by adding more liquid if needed.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and add extra salt and/or lemon juice as preferred. Note that the dip will thicken as it cools.
10. Caramelize Red Onions: Slice the red onion and fry it in olive oil over medium heat until it starts to caramelize. Add honey and stir until deeply caramelized and sweet.
11. Serve: Spoon the Greek Fava dip into a serving dish, top with the caramelized red onions, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• The fava dip thickens upon cooling, so adjust the lemon juice and olive oil accordingly to maintain a smooth texture.
• For vegetarian or vegan versions, use vegetable stock cubes instead of chicken stock.
• Caramelized onions add a sweet contrast, but can be omitted if preferred.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature as a meze or spread with bread.
• You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving as it may firm up.

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