HOW TO PREPARE FAVA.

“Fava” in Greek cuisine refers to a creamy and smooth yellow split pea puree. It’s a traditional dish from the island of Santorini but is enjoyed throughout Greece. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Fava:

Ingredients:

250g (about 1 1/4 cups) yellow split peas
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups water or vegetable broth
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1-2 lemons, juiced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional for garnish: chopped red onions, capers, fresh parsley, and olive oil
Instructions:

Rinse the Split Peas: Rinse the yellow split peas well under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any impurities.

Cook the Split Peas: In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of olive oil until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the rinsed split peas and 4 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer, skimming off any foam that may appear on the surface.

Simmer: Continue to simmer the split peas for about 30-50 minutes, or until they’re completely soft and broken down. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Blend: Once the split peas are fully cooked and mushy, remove the pot from the heat. Use a hand blender or transfer to a food processor to blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth and creamy puree.

Season: Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and the fava is silky smooth.

Serve: Pour the fava into a serving dish, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and garnish with your choice of chopped red onions, capers, and fresh parsley.

Serve your fava warm with crusty bread or pita. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish or a dip for vegetables. As always, you can adjust the seasoning and consistency to your preference.