Fava-the perfect summer side dish. It is a traditional Greek dish made of purred split peas. Pared with onions, olive oil and lemon juice.
Ahhh! Summer is finally here…
Oh, summer how I missed you!
The warm summer days, the sun shining, and the beach. There is something about the beach that I just can’t resist.
But I digress…
Along with the change of scenery, I long for a change in my diet. It’s now time to shift my gears in the kitchen.
Higher temperatures make me crave totally different flavors. This side is one of my favorites and I really ought to make it more often. Maybe I should keep a list of my favorite summer dishes in a cupboard so I don’t forget about them!
The flavor of this particular spread is mild but very distinct. The addition of salt can wildly change it. As can the additions of diced red onion, lemon juice, and olive oil. I highly recommend adding all three.
At this point, I should also give you a fair warning. There is a Greek saying that although it can’t be translated it means the following: “There is a hole hiding in a fava plate”. It is always said as a joke and what this really means is that you can add as much olive oil as you want and the fava puree will absorb it. So, don’t be too generous with your oil…
The instructions in the recipe are written for the Instant Pot. Or any other automatic pressure cooker. You can definitely make fava in the stove but… You need to keep a simmer otherwise the fava splatters all over. That’s not something that you want. Ask me how I know.
In addition you can puree the fava in a traditional food mill instead of blending it. Again, I find this very cumbersome.
However you make it, the taste will be incredible!
And if you try it I would love to hear your thoughts.
Split Peas Puree
INGREDIENTS:
- 500 gr yellow split peas
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 3 medium onions divided
- 2 lemons juiced
- 1 Tbsn capers rinsed
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Rinse the split peas and boil in your pressure cooker for two min. Let stand for 30 min. Strain, rinse and place it back in the pot. Cover with cold water and bring to boil.
- Skim any foam that might appear and add one whole onion, salt, pepper and olive oil.
- Set your pressure cooker to high and cook for 15 -18 min. Open the pressure cooker using the quick release method. Remove the onion and let the peas cool for 5 min.
- Transfer the peas in a blender and add the lemon juice. Blend to your desired consistency.
- Serve in a bowl and top with capers, olive olive oil and finely diced onions.
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