Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A silky puree of yellow split peas from Santorini, topped with crunchy caramelized onions for a classic Greek meze. This greek-inspired vegetarian ready in about 60 minutes pairs rinsed yellow split peas, water, divided 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 cup rinsed yellow split peas with 4 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes until peas are very soft and breaking apart.
  2. Step 2: While peas cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until onions are golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: When peas are soft, drain any excess water leaving about 1/2 cup in the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree peas with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth and silky.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp olive oil and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer puree to a serving bowl and top with crispy caramelized onions and chopped fresh dill if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions?

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 rinsed yellow split peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions?

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 Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions 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.

What goes well with Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions?

Greek vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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