Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 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

Instruction

  • 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.