Santorini Fava

Santorini Fava

Santorini Fava is a traditional dish made from yellow split peas, a local specialty of Santorini. It is creamy, hearty, and often served as an appetizer or side dish. Santorini fava has a rich history and is closely tied to the island's volcanic soil, which produces particularly flavorful yellow peas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (300g) yellow split peas (preferably Santorini variety)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water or vegetable broth
  • Optional toppings: sliced red onion, capers, parsley, paprika or sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions:

Rinse the split peas:
Place the yellow split peas in a sieve and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear.
Cook the split peas:
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion (and garlic if using) until soft and translucent.
Add the rinsed split peas and stir to coat them in the oil.
Pour in enough water or vegetable broth to cover the peas (about 3-4 cups), and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and begin to break down. Add more water if necessary to keep them submerged.
Skim off any foam that may form on the surface during cooking.
Blend the fava:
Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the fava is too thick, you can add a bit of warm water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Season and serve:
Stir in the lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with your choice of toppings like sliced red onion, capers, fresh parsley, paprika or sun-dried tomatoes.
Optional serving suggestion:
Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and serve with warm pita bread or crusty bread on the side.
Santorini Fava is a simple but flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the unique produce of the island. It’s the perfect blend of creamy texture and zesty Mediterranean flavors.
Enjoy!
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