Chilled Fava Bean Puree with Olive Oil and Lemon
Silky smooth pureed yellow split peas seasoned with tangy lemon and generous olive oil, served chilled as a classic Greek meze or spread. This greek-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs yellow split peas (fava beans), water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split peas (fava beans)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small (about 1/2 cup) onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow split peas under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are very soft and water is mostly absorbed.
- Step 2: Transfer the cooked peas to a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a spoonful of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 3: Chill the puree in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Step 4: Before serving, drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley on top. Serve with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Fava Bean Puree with Olive Oil and Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chilled Fava Bean Puree with Olive Oil and Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Fava Bean Puree with Olive Oil and Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chilled Fava Bean Puree with Olive Oil and Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Chilled Fava Bean Puree with Olive Oil and Lemon vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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