Greek Fava Beans - 500g

Greek fava beans, also known as Greek yellow split peas, are a specific variety of fava beans commonly used in Greek cuisine. They are not the same as the broad beans or commonly known fava beans. Greek fava beans are actually dried and peeled yellow split peas, rather than the large green beans.

In Greek cooking, fava beans are typically cooked and mashed into a thick and creamy puree. This fava bean puree is often served as a dip or spread, known as "fava" or "fava dip," and is a popular dish in Greece. It is typically seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various herbs and spices.

Greek fava beans have a distinct flavor and texture and are a staple ingredient in traditional Greek cuisine. They are rich in protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them a nutritious choice for a variety of dishes.

How to use Greek Fava Beans?
Greek fava beans, or Greek yellow split peas, can be used in various ways in your culinary creations. Here are a few ideas for utilizing them:

1. Fava Dip: The most popular way to use Greek fava beans is to make a creamy dip or spread. After cooking and pureeing the fava beans, season them with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like parsley or dill. Serve the dip with bread, pita chips, or vegetable crudités.

2. Soups and Stews: Greek fava beans work well in hearty soups and stews. Add them to vegetable soups or traditional Greek dishes like "Fasolada" (Greek bean soup) for added texture and flavor. Combine them with other vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.

3. Salads: Cooked fava beans can be an excellent addition to salads. Toss them with fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and dress them with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. They bring a protein-packed element to the salad and add a unique taste and texture.

4. Veggie Burgers and Patties: Incorporate fava beans into vegetarian or vegan burger patties. Mash or process the cooked fava beans along with other ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and binders like flaxseed or breadcrumbs. Shape them into patties and cook them on a stovetop or grill.

5. Side Dishes: Serve Greek fava beans as a delicious and nutritious side dish. Season them with herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil. They pair well with roasted or grilled meats, fish, or alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

6. Filling for Wraps or Sandwiches: Use the creamy fava bean dip as a spread in wraps or sandwiches. It adds a unique flavor and a protein boost to your handheld meals.

Remember to adjust the seasoning and flavors according to your taste preferences and experiment with different combinations to create your own unique recipes using Greek fava beans.


Fava Dip Recipe
The traditional Greek fava bean dip is simply called "fava" or "fava dip." It refers to the creamy puree made from cooked and mashed Greek fava beans (yellow split peas). This dip is a popular appetizer or meze in Greek cuisine and is often served with bread, pita chips, or as part of a larger spread of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

The term "fava" is used to specifically refer to this dish rather than the whole fava beans or broad beans themselves.

Ingredients:
1 cup Greek fava beans (yellow split peas)
4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill), chopped red onion, olive oil and capers

Instructions:

1. Rinse the fava beans under cold water to remove any impurities or debris.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the fava beans to the pot and stir them with the onion and garlic mixture for a minute or two.
4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the fava beans simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they become tender and start to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the fava beans are cooked and soft, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender or a potato masher to puree the beans until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If needed, you can add a little more water or broth to adjust the thickness.
7. Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
8. Serve the Greek fava beans warm or at room temperature. You can drizzle some olive oil on top and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs or red onion for added flavor and garnish.

Greek fava beans are commonly enjoyed as a dip or spread, served with bread or pita chips. They can also be used as a side dish or as a base for other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Nutritional Information:
(per 100g)
Energy: 1358kj/322kcal
Fat: 1.7g
Saturated Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrate: 40g
of which Sugars: 1.3g
Fibre: 17g
Protein: 28g
Salt: 0.01g
Iron: 4.60mg

Ingredients: Product of Greece

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