Greek Recipes: Santorini Fava

When visiting the well-known island, you must eat Santorini fava! The fava beans from Santorini are what give the meal its unique flavor.

Santorini is known for its delicious and distinct cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Greek flavors and local ingredients. The island’s volcanic soil and sunny climate provide the perfect conditions for growing various fruits and vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, white eggplants, and capers. Santorini food is an important reason that the island is a must-visit destination.

If you’ve ever gone to Greece, you probably already know how popular fava is as a meze to serve with seafood and ouzo. However, if you’ve ever traveled to Santorini, you’ve undoubtedly had the best Greek fava.

Are you planning to visit Santorini island? Check our Santorini Food Tours!!

For a day after the beach, this golden, lemony paste is not only filling but also tasty.

Santorini Fava Beans

One of the most iconic Santorini products is fava beans. According to history, Fava has grown on the island for nearly 3,500 years! They are little golden peas with a distinctive flavor due to the volcanic soil of Santorini. They get sweeter and more flavorful due to the grinding process.

In December, the beans are sown, and they are harvested in June. Before they can be cooked, they must be cleaned, peeled, and dried out in the sun.

If you use fresh ingredients, make sure to wash them thoroughly and give them at least 30′ to dry. Or, even better, use a kitchen towel to ensure no remaining water.

Many households serve fava as their main course, with sardines or anchovies to round out the meal. It is requested in the tavernas as an appetizer or as a substitution for tzatziki.

The flavor of Santorini fava will astound you no matter how you prepare it. Are you ready?

Read more: Don’t miss out on these flavors of Greece

Santorini Fava FAQ

What is Santorini Fava?

Santorini Fava is a traditional Greek dish made from yellow split peas, which are grown exclusively on the island of Santorini.

What is Santorini Fava made of?

Santorini Fava is made from yellow split peas, soaked and boiled until tender. The peas are then mashed into a puree and mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.

What type of bean is fava?

Fava beans are a type of legume, also known as broad beans. However, Santorini Fava is not made from fava beans but rather from yellow split peas, which are a different variety of legumes.

What is the difference between hummus and fava?

The main difference between hummus and fava is the type of legume used to make them. Hummus is typically made from chickpeas, while fava is made from yellow split peas.

Are dried fava beans healthy?

Yes, dried fava beans are considered a healthy food. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, and have been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.

Santorini fava Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Yield: 4

Santorini Fava is a traditional Greek dish made using yellow split peas grown on the island of Santorini. The fava is cooked with onion, garlic, and olive oil and blended to make a smooth, creamy puree. This famous Santorini food is often served as a dip or a spread, and it is a healthy and delicious option for vegetarians and vegans.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Santorini fava beans (or any other; please read below)
• 6 cups water
• 1 white or yellow onion
• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp capers and/ or caper leaves
• 100ml extra virgin Greek olive oil
• fresh oregano
• salt & pepper

Equipment

Instructions for making the Santorini fava

Please come back the day after the live cooking class to read the instructions step-by-step.

1. Rinse the yellow split peas with clear water.
2. Add the onion and saute.
3. Add the split peas and water to boil while skimming off the foam that rises to the top.
4. Add the fresh oregano to a cotton muslin bag for cooking and pop it in the pot to flavor the fava.
5. Cook the yellow split peas on low heat for 45 minutes while constantly stirring until tender to a pulp.

Santorini Fava is a healthy and flavorful Greek dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to make authentic Santorini Fava at home and enjoy its creamy texture and delicious taste. Serve it as a dip, spread, or side dish, and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

Check out more Greek Recipes!

Interested to know more about Santorini? We have compiled a thorough guide for Santorini.

Interested in more recipes from Santorini?

• The Top Santorini Recipes
• Santorini Eggplant Salad
• Traditional Products from Santorini
• Traditional Dishes of Santorini