Not Hummus, Not Lentils… It’s Greek Fava!
Creamy, velvety, and packed with rich flavor, Greek fava is a beloved traditional dish made from yellow split peas. Slow-cooked with onions, garlic, thyme, and a touch of lemon, it’s finished with a drizzle of olive oil and sweet caramelized onions. Perfect as a dip, appetizer, or side dish, this wholesome puree is both comforting and elegant. A true taste of Greece!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
- 500 g 1.1 lb yellow split peas, well rinsed
- 1 red onion roughly chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 150 ml ⅔ cup olive oil, plus extra for cooking
- 850 ml 3.5 cups chicken stock (or water for a traditional version)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- Freshly cracked white pepper to taste
- ½ tsp beef bouillon or Butter Than Bouillon – optional but recommended
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Caramelized red onions
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Sauté the Onions & Garlic
Heat a pot on low-medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Add the chopped red onion and let it sweat for 5-8 minutes until translucent (not browned).
Push the onions aside and add the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Split Peas
Pour in the 150 ml olive oil and let it warm slightly.
Add the rinsed split peas and stir well, letting them fry for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock and stir.
Add the thyme, white pepper, and beef bouillon (if using).
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45-50 minutes until the peas are soft.
Caramelize the Onions (While Peas Cook)
In a separate pan, cook sliced red onions in olive oil on low heat with a pinch of salt.
Stir occasionally and let them caramelize slowly for 30-40 minutes until dark and sweet.
Blend & Season the Fava
Once the split peas are tender, remove from heat.
Stir in lemon juice and salt to taste.
Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or transfer to a food processor).
Let it cool slightly—it will thicken as it rests.
Serve
Drizzle with olive oil and top with caramelized onions.
Enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or main course (great with grilled sausage or bread).
Keyword BBQ, cooking, foodie, greece, recipe