My Favourite Greek Fava Dip with Caramelized Onion Recipe

Introduction

My favourite Greek Fava is a creamy, velvety split pea dip that captures the comforting flavors of Greece. Made with yellow split peas and enriched with olive oil and lemon, it’s perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

• 1 litre boiling water (33.8 fl.oz) for soaking
• 250 g yellow split peas (Greek Fava) (8.8 oz)
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 1 leek
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 litre boiling water for cooking
• 2 vegetable or chicken stock cubes
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 1 red onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil for caramelizing onion
• 1 tsp honey
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the yellow split peas in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the water darkens. Let the peas soak for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Chop the carrot, onion, and leek into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and leek in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the soaked split peas, 1 litre boiling water, bay leaves, stock cubes, sugar, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the peas are very soft.
5. Step 5: Strain the peas and vegetables using a fine strainer, saving the cooking liquid in a bowl. Discard the bay leaves.
6. Step 6: Place half of the strained peas and vegetables into a blender. Add some of the reserved cooking liquid, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, creating a soft puree.
7. Step 7: Blend the remaining peas and vegetables. If the dip seems too watery, blend with little or no liquid and mix it back with the first batch for a creamy consistency. Adjust texture as desired.
8. Step 8: Taste the Fava dip and add extra salt or lemon juice if needed. Keep in mind it will thicken as it cools.
9. Step 9: For the caramelized onion topping, slice the red onion and sauté it in olive oil over medium heat. When it starts to caramelize, stir in the honey and cook briefly until golden and sticky.
10. Step 10: Serve the Fava dip garnished with caramelized onions and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade vegetable stock instead of cubes for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a subtle smoky twist.
• Serve with warm pita bread or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover Fava dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, re-stir and bring to room temperature or warm gently. The dip thickens when chilled, so you may want to add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of split peas for this recipe?

Yellow split peas are ideal for traditional Greek Fava because of their sweet, mild flavor and texture. While green split peas can be used, the taste and texture will be slightly different.

Is Greek Fava gluten-free?

Yes, Greek Fava is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

My Favourite Greek Fava Dip with Caramelized Onion Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 107 reviews

This classic Greek Fava recipe features creamy yellow split peas pureed with sautéed vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a smooth, flavorful dip. Garnished with sweet caramelized onions, this vibrant dish is a perfect appetizer or side, showcasing traditional Mediterranean flavors and simple ingredients for a healthy, satisfying treat.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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, chopped
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Leek, chopped
• 6 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin), divided
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 litre Water (boiling, for cooking)
• 2 Vegetable or chicken stock cubes
• 1 Lemon, juiced (about 2 tbsp lemon juice)

For Garnish

• 1 Red onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tsp Honey

Instructions

1. Soak the Split Peas: Place yellow split peas in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the water darkens. Let peas soak for 5 minutes to soften.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Pour off the soaking water and transfer peas to a separate bowl until needed.
3. Prepare Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrot, and leek while the peas soak.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and leeks until soft and fragrant.
5. Simmer Peas and Vegetables: Add 1 litre boiling water, soaked yellow split peas, bay leaves, stock cubes, granulated sugar, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Simmer everything together for 20 minutes, or until the split peas are completely soft.
6. Strain Peas: Use a strainer to separate the peas from the cooking liquid, saving the liquid in a bowl. Discard the bay leaves.
7. Blend First Half: Place half of the cooked peas with the sautéed vegetables and some of the saved liquid into a blender. Puree until smooth. Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice while blending to achieve a soft, creamy texture.
8. Blend Second Half: Puree the remaining peas. If the dip is too watery, blend with little or no liquid and mix with the first batch to thicken. If the consistency is satisfactory, add the same amount of liquid as the first batch and mix well.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and add salt and/or more lemon juice as desired. Keep in mind that the dip thickens as it cools.
10. Caramelize Onion: Slice the red onion thinly and fry it in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. When it starts to caramelize, add 1 teaspoon honey and stir until onions are golden and sweet.
11. Serve: Spoon the Greek Fava into a serving dish, top with caramelized onions, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• Make sure to soak the split peas in boiling water before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
• The lemon juice brightens the dip and balances the creamy peas; adjust to taste.
• You can use either vegetable or chicken stock cubes depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• The dip thickens as it cools, so keep that in mind when adjusting liquid during blending.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable stock cubes and substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for caramelized onions.
• Serve this dip with warm pita bread, raw vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches.

Keywords: Greek Fava, yellow split peas dip, Mediterranean appetizer, vegetarian dip, caramelized onion, healthy Greek recipe