Fava Yellow Split Pea Puree with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smooth and creamy fava puree topped with sweet caramelized onions, a rustic vegetarian appetizer from Greek island cuisine. This greek-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs yellow split peas (fava), water, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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: 60 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine peas with 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are very soft and beginning to break apart.
  2. Step 2: While the peas cook, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Once the peas are soft, drain any excess water, then mash or blend with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the puree to a serving bowl, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, and top with the caramelized onions. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fava Yellow Split Pea Puree with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 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 Yellow Split Pea Puree with Caramelized 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 yellow split peas (fava) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fava Yellow Split Pea Puree with Caramelized 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 Yellow Split Pea Puree with Caramelized 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.

Is Fava Yellow Split Pea Puree with Caramelized Onions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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