Fava… Simply Divine
Traditional fava in Greece is not made with “fava beans”… but rather with yellow split pea beans! If you are not able to find yellow split peas (though now easy to find at organic shops or Mediterranean markets), you can substitute green split peas for yellow.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of split peas
- 3 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- ¼ cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 2-4 garlic cloves (to taste)
- 1 cup olive oil
For Garnish: diced Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, fresh diced onion, and one fresh lemon
Add all ingredients to a saucepan, except the olive oil. Constantly stir and bring to a boil while skimming the “foam” from the top of the pan (be sure that the water just tops the ingredients, add a bit more water if necessary).
Leave to simmer for about 5 minutes and then turn off the heat. Cool for about 15 minutes. Using a food processor or blender, puree the peas, add the olive oil slowly.
Once smooth, serve in a bowl. Garnish with a bit of extra diced red or green onion, fresh parsley, diced Kalamata olives and pour a bit of olive oil on the top. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top.
Serve warm or cold, delicious on warm fresh bread!!
