Greek Fava Dip
MarkD published on September 17, 2025

Greek Fava Dip

Total time: 40 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Author: Ali
Source: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/greek-fava/

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2.25 cups water
  • 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • topping ideas: smoked paprika, extra drizzle of olive oil, sliced (or minced) red onion, Kalamata olives, and/or capers

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the red onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Add the water, yellow split peas, bay leaf, salt, cumin and stir to combine.  Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer.  Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the yellow split peas have completely softened.

Discard the bay leaf.  Then, using an immersion blender (or see alternatives below), purée the mixture until smooth.

Remove saucepan from heat.  Stir in the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until combined.  Then taste the dip, and season with extra salt and/or lemon juice if needed.  The fava will thicken considerably as it cools.

Garnish with a pinch of smoked paprika and any other preferred toppings, then serve and enjoy!  Leftovers can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.