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My Favourite Greek Fava Dip with Caramelized Onion Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/my-favourite-greek-fava-dip-with-caramelized-onion-recipe/