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This easy and authentic Greek fava recipe is an iconic dish from the island of Santorini. It’s an incredibly flavorful dip that combines Santorini fava (yellow split peas) with onions, bay leaves, and olive oil for a rich and velvety puree. Satisfying and delicious, have it with bread, olives, or as a side to any meal.
What is Greek Fava?
Greek Fava is a versatile dip or spread made from PDO Santorini fava beans or yellow split peas.
The legumes are cooked with onions, bay leaves, and olive oil until they yield a soft, velvety puree.
Greek fava is an age-old dish and a piece of Greek culinary tradition that graces tables across the country.
One of the most frequently asked questions is, what’s the difference between hummus and fava?
The main difference between the two is the type of legume used. Hummus is made from chickpeas, while Greek Fava is made with PDO Santorini beans or yellow split peas.
History of Greek Fava
While the name Greek fava might suggest it is made using fava beans or broad beans, Greek fava is actually made with yellow split peas.
In Greece, the best yellow split peas come from the island of Santorini. Fava beans have their origins in ancient Greece and have been growing exclusively on Santorini island for more than 3,500 years.
Santorini Fava grow on the island’s volcanic soils and are known for their high nutritional value.
Fava beans from Santorini have PDO-protected status, and they are cultivated and processed in the traditional manner.
The Santorini Fava is an incredibly delicious dip. It has a rich and velvety texture with a slightly sweet taste compared to other yellow split peas.
We’re excited to introduce you to this delicious Santorini fava recipe so that you’ll fall in love with it as we did while we were in Santorini.
Discovering Greek Fava in Santorini Island, Greece
Santorini fava is one of the most traditional dishes you’ll find all over the island. It is not surprising as it originates from there, and it is a treasured culinary tradition.
While exploring traditional Santorini food, we took a cooking class to learn how to make Santorini fava.
One of the most fascinating parts was grinding the yellow split peas in the traditional manner with a grinder made of volcanic rocks.
Even though we were already huge fans of Greek fava dip from other parts of the country, there’s nothing like the rich flavors of Santorini fava.
When you make this Greek fava recipe at home, you’ll be dipping into a culinary treasure from the picturesque island of Santorini.
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Greek Fava Recipe – How To Make Greek Fava at Home
With this easy Greek fava recipe from Santorini, you can taste the flavors of the magical island.
All you need is a little bit of time and a few simple ingredients. For the most exquisite flavors, use Santorini fava beans, which are available on Amazon.
Ingredients
- Santorini Fava beans PDO or dried yellow split peas
- 1 medium onion
- Greek extra virgin olive oil
- Bay leaves
- Salt
Toppings
- Red onion
- Pickled onion
- Capers
- Parsley
- Lemon zest and slices
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you love Greek cooking and want other simple traditional recipes, see some of our favorite recipes.
Greek Fava Recipe Tips
Greek fava is a versatile recipe that you can customize the texture to your own preferences. For a denser texture, simply reduce the amount of water.
Conversely, for a runny dip, you can incrementally increase the amount of water.
Greek Fava Beans To Use
For an authentic Greek Fava recipe, we recommend using dried PDO Santorini fava beans.
Soak the beans overnight to create the perfect foundation for the creamy puree.
While you can also use any yellow split peas, they will not have the genuine Santorini flavors.
How To Serve Greek Fava
Greek Fava shines as a tantalizing dip served with warm pita bread or crisp vegetable sticks.
It also makes a delightful spread on toast or crackers.
For an elevated gastronomic experience, garnish with a generous drizzle of Greek olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, or a handful of Kalamata olives.
How To Store Greek Fava?
Greek Fava can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days retaining its freshness and flavor.
For longer storage up to 3 months, freeze the fava puree in a freezer-safe food block, ensuring it maintains its creamy texture upon thawing.
Greek Fava Recipe Substitutes
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are used traditionally to make a delicious Greek fava dip. As a substitute, you can also use a pinch of dried thyme or oregano to infuse flavor into the dish.
What If I Don’t Have PDO Santorini Fava Beans
While PDO Santorini Fava beans contribute to the authentic, traditional taste of the dish, they are not a must. Regular dried yellow split peas can be used as an alternative.
Although the flavor may differ slightly, this flexibility ensures that this delightful Greek Fava recipe can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of the ingredients at hand.
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Greek Fava Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Yellow Split Peas
Cook the previously soaked yellow split peas in a pot with water over medium heat.
Reduce to a simmer, add bay leaves and chopped onions, and cook for about 30 minutes.
Remove Bay Leaves, Add Olive Oil, and Mix
Once the yellow split peas absorb the water, remove from heat and take out the bay leaves. Add extra virgin olive oil and mix and start mixing the yellow split pea dip.
Blend Fava Beans
Add salt to taste and continue mixing until you achieve a smooth and velvety texture. You can use a hand or immersion blender to make it easier to obtain a creamy texture.
Greek Fava Recipe
Equipment
- Large mesh strainer or sieve
Ingredients
- 1 + ½ cups PDO Santorini Fava or dried yellow split peas, soaked overnight, rinsed, and drainedÂ
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- â…“ cup Greek olive oil
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 3 cups water
Toppings
- 1 red onion chopped or sliced
- ½ cup Capers
- Parsley
- Lemon zest and slices
Instructions
- Bring the soaked split peas and 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove any foam that forms using a wooden spoon or a fine sieve.
- Add the chopped onion and bay leaves, continuing to simmer together until most of the water is absorbed. Ensure the bottom does not burn during this process. If the split peas absorb the water before becoming fork-tender, gradually add a little water and continue simmering.
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves from the pot.
- Whisk the split peas until they are broken down and mushy using an immersion blender or food processor.
- At this stage, add the olive oil and continue stirring. You'll notice that the olive oil lightens the color of the Fava and gives it a smooth consistency.
- Add salt to taste and continue stirring.
- At this point, your Greek fava is ready to be served. For a smoother consistency, you can continue stirring with a whisk or immersion blender until you achieve a creamy texture.
- Garnish your Greek fava with chopped red onions, capers, and a few sprigs of parsley.
- Drizzle the fava dip with Greek extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature with bread or fresh vegetables as part of an appetizer or mezze platter.
Notes
- While PDO Santorini Fava beans add to the authenticity of the recipe, they aren’t necessary. Regular yellow split peas can be used as a substitute, though the flavor may be slightly altered.
- You can be flexible with the amount of water needed for this Greek fava bean recipe. Feel free to add more water for a more running consistency or reduce the amount of water for a denser fava dip.
Nutrition
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest