In the realm of delectable Greek cuisine, fava, a vibrant yellow split pea puree, stands as a culinary masterpiece, captivating taste buds with its creamy texture and symphony of flavors. This humble dish, often served as a dip or spread, carries a rich history deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Greece. Indulge in a culinary journey as we uncover the secrets behind this beloved dish, exploring two distinct yet equally enticing recipes: the classic Greek fava and its tantalizing fusion variation, the fava with caramelized onions and bacon. Embark on a voyage of flavors, aromas, and textures that will leave you yearning for more.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
AUTHENTIC GREEK FAVA RECIPE (YELLOW SPLIT PEAS PUREE)
Creamy and super tasty! If you' ve been looking for a fava recipe that actually tastes like the one served in Greece, then you have to try this authentic Greek fava recipe.
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Dips
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Rinse the split peas with plenty of water.
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat; add 2-3 tbsps olive oil, the chopped onions, garlic and some fresh thyme and sauté.
- As soon as the onions start to caramelise add the peas and blend. Pour in the warm water and the olive oil, turn the heat down to medium and season well with salt and pepper. Simmer with the lid on for about 40-50 minutes, until the split peas are thick and mushy. While the split peas boil, some white foam will probably surface on the water. Remove the foam with a slotted spoon.
- When done, pour in the lemon juice and transfer the mixture in food processor. Mix, until the peas become smooth and creamy, like a puree.
- Serve the fava with a drizzle of olive oil, a tablespoon of diced onion and some capper or chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 portion, Calories 248kcal, Sugar 5.6g, Sodium 241.6mg, Fat 7.2g, SaturatedFat 1g, UnsaturatedFat 5.8g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 35.8g, Fiber 13.4g, Protein 12.3g, Cholesterol 0mg
GREEK FAVA (YELLOW SPLIT PEAS PUREE)
Fava is a traditonal appetizer/ side dish from the island of Santorini well known to all Greeks. Especially during Greek Lent. Usually served during the cold winter days but easily enjoyed any other time of the year. Served hot or cold. Hope you try and enjoy this simple dish as much as we do! Picture & recipe my own.
Provided by Maria *
Categories Vegetables
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Rinse the split peas in plenty of water.
- 2. Heat a tall pot over medium-high heat, add 3 Tbps olive oil, the chopped onions & saute.
- 3. When the onion starts to caramelize add the split peas and blend. Carefully pour in the warm water and the olive oil. The mixture will spatter. Turn down the heat to medium and season with salt & pepper..Stirring frquently.
- 4. Simmer for about 40 minutes or until the split peas are thick. The split peas tend to stick to the bottom of the pot when cooking, so it will require close attention, especially during the latter part of the cooking process. Some white foam might surface on the water, as the split peas are boiling. With a slotted spoon remove the foam.
- 5. When done, pour in the lemon juice, adjust the seasoning as necessary & mix. With a hand immersion blender mash the fava to become smooth & creamy. If too thick you can add a little vinegar or white wine or just water.
- 6. Spread on a large plate, garnish with topping of your choice & drizzle with olive oil. ENJOY!
- 7. Tip:: Leeks can be used instead of the chopped onions. Garnish: Caramelized onions, or freshly chopped green onion, capers or & chopped parsley..
GREEK YELLOW SPLIT PEA PURéE
If you've ever been to Greece, you're probably familiar with the delicious yellow split pea puree called fava. It's served in tavernas all over the country and is standard fare on the Lenten table. It's important to cook the split peas for a very long time, slowly, until they disintegrate into a purée. Greeks use much more olive oil than this recipe calls for, and they top their fava with chopped onion, sometimes caramelized and mixed with fresh herbs. I prefer a drizzle of olive oil. Yellow split peas are easy to find in Mediterranean and Indian markets, as well as many supermarkets.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dips and spreads, appetizer
Time 2h45m
Yield Serves six to eight
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy saucepan, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, five to six minutes. Add the split peas and enough water to cover by an inch, and bring to a boil. Skim foam off the top, reduce the heat, cover and simmer one hour. Add salt to taste, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes to an hour until the beans fall apart and sink to the bottom of the pot. Stir often to prevent them from sticking. The water should cloud, and some of the split peas will be intact while others will disintegrate. Continue to simmer until they have mostly disintegrated.
- When the beans have fallen apart and are soft and fragrant, remove the pot from the heat and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Replace the lid and let sit for 20 minutes. If the mixture looks more like a soup than a purée, with most of the liquid on the top, place a strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture into the strainer. Let sit for 10 minutes while the liquid runs through the strainer, then return the split peas to the pot. Taste and adjust salt. Moisten as desired with the broth. Add a generous amount of pepper, and whisk in the remaining olive oil and the lemon juice. Whisking helps break down the split peas and contributes to a smooth texture. Transfer to a bowl or plate, top with a drizzle of olive oil and serve.
GREEK YELLOW SPLIT PEAS WITH GARLIC (FAVA)
This is a delicious meze (appetizer) made with yellow split peas (or lentils). Santorini is the island that is known to grow the best yellow peas in Greece - and this recipe derives from there. It is very delicious and healthy - use it as a dip or slather it on good-quality, crusty bread and enjoy with a glass of white wine! Although this looks like a long time to make a recipe - it is mostly passive cooking time of the peas - the recipe itself is a breeze!
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h55m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place the split peas in a large pot, add water to cover by 4 inches and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, skimming often, for 5 minutes. Add the bay leaves and simmer for 40 minutes more, stirring occasionally and adding a little warm water as needed to keep the peas covered as they cook. Add 1 teaspoon of the salt and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until the peas are soft and almost dry.
- Puree the peas with a stick (immersion) blender, or transfer to a food processor and puree. Let the puree cool completely; it will thicken considerably.
- In a large mortar, grind the garlic with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt into a smooth paste. Add 2 cups or so of the puree and continue grinding to incorporate the garlic. Or use a blender or a small food processor.
- In a large bowl, combine the garlic mixture, the remaining pea puree, the oil, 3 tablespoons each vinegar and wine, the oregano and pepper to taste, stirring vigorously to incorporate. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- If the skordalia seems too thick, add a little vinegar, wine or water to thin. Spread on a large plate, sprinkle with oregano, garnish with toppings of your choice and serve.
- Note: Instead of yellow split peas, you can also make this with dried peeled fava beans or with the same amount of cooked mashed chickpeas or white beans, such as cannellini.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.6, Fat 19.5, SaturatedFat 2.7, Sodium 816.1, Carbohydrate 43.1, Fiber 17.9, Sugar 6.1, Protein 16.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality yellow split peas. This will ensure that your fava is smooth and flavorful.
- Soak the peas overnight before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
- Use a flavorful broth. Vegetable broth or chicken broth will both work well.
- Add plenty of herbs and spices. This will give your fava a delicious and complex flavor.
- Don't overcook the peas. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Serve the fava warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a dip, a spread, or a main course.
Conclusion:
Greek fava is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great source of protein and fiber, and it is also very flavorful. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy yellow split peas, give this recipe a try.
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