Fava is a delicious and traditional Greek dish, often enjoyed as a meze or side dish in Ikaria. It's actually made with yellow split peas, not fava beans! This dish reflects Ikaria’s love for simple, healthy, and wholesome foods, which are a big part of the island’s famed longevity secrets!

Prep + Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Servings: 4-6 as a side dish or appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups yellow split peas (fava)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh oregano or parsley for garnish
• Thinly sliced red onion for garnish
• Drizzle of olive oil for serving

Preparation

1. Rinse the split peas: Place the yellow split peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. Cook the peas: In a medium-sized pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the split peas and water (or broth) to the pot.
3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that forms on top. Add more water if needed to keep the peas covered, and stir to prevent sticking.
4. Mash the peas: Once the peas are soft and fully cooked (they should break apart easily), remove from heat. Use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. You can also mash it with a fork or potato masher if you prefer a more rustic texture.
5. Season and serve: Stir in the rest of the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish: Transfer the fava to a serving dish, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and garnish with thinly sliced red onion and fresh herbs like oregano or parsley.
7. Optional toppings: Some variations include adding capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
8. Serving Suggestion: Serve fava as a spread with crusty bread, pita, or as a side dish with grilled fish or roasted vegetables. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.