Fava – Greek Yellow Split Peas Dip Recipe
Fava is a traditional Greek yellow split pea dip made by slowly simmering fava beans until soft, then mashing them into a creamy texture. This rustic, healthy dip is flavored with olive oil, lemon juice, and garnished with fresh vegetables and capers, making it a versatile and delicious appetizer or side dish perfect for serving warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
For Mixing & Garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Baby capers (to garnish)
- Finely sliced red onion (to garnish)
- Diced tomatoes, pulp removed (to garnish)
- Lemon halves (to squeeze on top)
Instructions
- Add ingredients to pot: Place the fava beans, water or vegetable stock, skinned onion, peeled carrot, coarse sea salt, and bay leaf into a small cooking pot.
- Simmer gently: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat without stirring, allowing the fava to absorb almost all the liquid. This process takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Once cooked, remove the carrot, onion, and bay leaf from the pot.
- Mash the fava: Using a spoon or an immersion blender, mash the softened fava beans into a smooth or slightly textured puree according to your preference.
- Add oil and lemon juice: Stir in the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish: Top the dish with finely sliced red onions, baby capers, and diced tomatoes for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the fava warm or at room temperature. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon on top and drizzle with a bit more extra virgin olive oil.
- Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in a food container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Notes
- Using vegetable stock instead of water enhances the flavor.
- Be careful not to stir the pot during simmering to allow the beans to cook evenly and prevent gumming.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for a brighter flavor.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
- Serve with crusty bread or fresh pita for an authentic Greek experience.
Keywords: Fava dip, Greek yellow split peas dip, healthy Greek appetizer, vegan dip, vegetarian dip, Mediterranean dip
