Name: Authentic Greek Fava recipe (Yellow Split Peas Puree)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 500g yellow split peas (18 ounces); 3 red onions, roughly chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, chopped; 1 lt warm water (3 and 1/3 cups); juice of 2 lemons; 1/3 of a cup olive oil; thyme; salt and freshly pepper

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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! This is my delicious traditional Fava (yellow split peas puree) dish straight from the island of Santorini! Creamy and super tasty, it is the perfect starter for any day of the year.

You can serve it as a delicious appetizer or dip with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and of course some delicious pita breads on the side!

What is Authentic Greek Fava?

One of the funny things about Fava is that it isn’t made with fava beans (broad beans) but is actually made from yellow split peas. But you can also make them with Santorini Fava beans which are that little bit more special!

Santorini Fava is what’s known as a ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ or PDO. That’s because the particular beans grown on the island in the rich volcanic soil and have been grown there exclusively for 3,500 years! And they must come from the island to be known as Santorini Fava because of the designation. Taste wise, they are known for having a velvety texture and being sweeter than other Fava beans.

Are fava beans the same as chickpeas?

Chickpeas and fava beans are two different legumes with fava beans having a more distinctive taste than chickpeas. Both of these are also different compared to the yellow split peas that are often used to make Fava dip, just to be confusing!

What is the difference between fava and hummus?

All this talk of beans also leads to the other main question that I get about this recipe: what’s the difference between Greek Fava dip and Hummus? The answer is in the beans! Hummus is made with chickpeas while Fava is made with either Santorini Fava or yellow split peas. There are other small differences and hummus often has other ingredients added to the basic recipe. But the beans are the core thing that separates these two delicious Greek dips.

What you’ll need to make Greek Fava the traditional way

You can use any yellow split peas to make a Fava dip but if you want it to be the authentic Greek Fava, try to grab some of the PDO Santorini Fava beans. They definitely have the best taste and the texture to them that makes for a super smooth dip.

But if you can only find yellow split peas in the store, they work perfectly and we used them to make this recipe. And of course don’t forget to grab some extra virgin olive oil to finish the dip, as this helps to enhance its overall flavor!

Key Preparation Tips

Making this Fava beans dip is a simple process but you do want to take a little notice of how to get those beans cooked just right. Once you have the caramelized onions, garlic and thyme sauteed in the pan, you want to add the beans with warm water and olive oil. After this, season with salt and pepper and turn the heat down the medium.

You’ll want to simmer the beans for 40-50 minutes until they have a thick and mushy consistency. Don’t worry if there’s some white foam on the surface, just grab a slotted spoon and gently scoop this off.

Making your fava beans dip ahead of time and storing

You can store the fava beans dip in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, so it is ideal for storing leftovers or to make it ahead of when you need it. You can also freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure it is thoroughly defrosted before you serve it!

Serving suggestions

This yellow split pea puree is commonly served as part of a meze platter together with some tzatziki, vegan tzatziki sauce, hummus, taramasalata, Skordalia, melitzanosalata (aubergine dip), tirokafteri (spicy feta cheese dip) and some delicious beef meatballs and lamb meatballs. Of course also by itself, with warm crusted bread or pita bread.

Enjoy!