Name: Greek Fava
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 53 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups split yellow peas, dried; 5-6 cups water; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 10 kalamata olives; 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, drained

Sharon Palmer RD

Published on June 20, 2026

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Traditional Greek Fava (Yellow Split Pea Dip) – Healthy Mediterranean Recipe

Greek Fava is a simple yet deeply flavorful Mediterranean dish made from creamy yellow split peas simmered until silky and rich. Served with olive oil, capers, olives, and onions, this rustic Greek spread is naturally vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and packed with nourishing plant-based nutrition. Delicious with whole grain bread, vegetables, or mezze platters, this authentic recipe is a healthy staple of traditional Mediterranean diets and timeless Greek foodways.

I learned about this traditional Greek dish while I was in Santorini, the Greek island from which it originates. Greek fava is a simple mashed yellow split pea dish, garnished with onions, olives, and capers. It’s usually served with toasted bread. High in flavor—and nutrition—this is a really wonderful dish for the plant-powered table. It’s easy to make, and you can serve it as a side or dip with salads, grain-dishes, and breads. I brought back some Greek split yellow peas, which are much smaller than those you can find here. But that’s ok, you can find split yellow peas in many natural food stores or online. I absolutely love the earthy, aromatic, sunny combination of plant-based flavors in traditional Greek recipes. Though I’ve traveled in Greece and celebrate this gorgeous food cuisine, I am not a true native or expert of Greek cooking, but I love the work of Kiki Vagianos, the owner and publisher of The Greek Vegan, who shares authentic, traditional Greek recipes that she has enjoyed with her family since she was young. I encourage you to check out her blog to truly appreciate the techniques behind Greek cooking.

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Greek Fava

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Author: The Plant-Powered Dietitian
Total Time: 53 minutes
Yield: 10 servings (about 3/4 cup per serving) 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make Traditional Greek Fava, a rustic Mediterranean yellow split pea dip served with onions, olives, and olive oil. This healthy vegan, gluten-free Greek recipe is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and authentic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups split yellow peas, dried
5-6 cups water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 kalamata olives
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, drained

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Instructions

Combine split yellow peas, 5 cups of water, garlic, ¾ of the chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 – 45 minutes (may take longer, depending on size of the split peas), stirring occasionally, until peas are very soft and mushy. Add additional water as needed to replace moisture lost to cooking. Should make a very thick, stew-like consistency.
Remove from heat and mash with a potato masher until fairly smooth (I like to leave a few chunks!). May add additional liquid in order to make a thick, creamy texture that is not too runny yet not too dry.
Heap on a platter and top with remaining chopped onion, olives, capers, and olive oil. May serve with toasted whole grain bread, if desired.
Makes 10 servings (about 3/4 cup per serving)

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Mixture thickens significantly upon refrigeration, so thin with additional water before heating up in the microwave or stovetop.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek