Fava Santorini Split Pea Puree with Crispy Onions
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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed yellow split peas
- 4 cups water
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 large, thinly sliced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh dill
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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