Growing up in Hungary, I frequently enjoyed vegetable stews made from various ingredients, including spinach, beans, pulses, or potatoes. However, I wasn’t a fan of a stew called (in literal translation) the “delicious stew” due to its ingredients (peas, carrots, and kohlrabies). Having said that, I loved the one made with yellow split beans, especially when served with freshly fried sausages.
Many years later, while dining at a popular taverna in Santorini, I was pleasantly surprised to find a familiar dish from my childhood among the various appetizers (mezedes in Greek). The creamy, yellow mash was reminiscent of the veggie stew I used to eat, although it was served with capers and red onion rather than sausages. I appreciate the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine, which showcases the deliciousness of locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. I had to get this recipe! There are many variations of it, but this is the one I enjoy the most.
Ingredients:
250g good quality yellow split beans
500ml water
Salt and pepper
Bay leaves
A small onion
A clove of garlic
To garnish: capers or olives, thinly sliced fresh red onion or fried onion (whichever you prefer), lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
Method:
Rinse the yellow split beans thoroughly, then place them in a pot with the water, the bay leaves, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, removing any white foam that forms on the surface. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-55 minutes until it reaches a thick, mushy consistency. Once it appears gooey enough, cover the pot and let it cool.
For a stronger flavour, you can sauté the onions and garlic in some olive oil before adding the split beans and the water.
After the mixture has cooled, add some olive oil and a bit of lemon juice. Use a food processor to blend it into a creamy and smooth texture. If a food processor is not available (like during my last stay in Greece), vigorous mixing with a fork can also achieve the desired consistency.
Serve the fava with a drizzle of olive oil, capers or olives and some diced or fried onion. Enjoy!
TOP TIP: Fava is made with yellow split beans, not fava beans (broad beans). 
