Santorini-Style Fava Bean Puree with Caramelized Onions

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

A creamy yellow split pea puree topped with sweet caramelized onions, a traditional Santorini appetizer with vibrant flavors. This greek-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow split peas under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine split peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are very soft and beginning to break down.
  3. Step 3: While peas cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 thinly sliced medium yellow onion and cook slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Drain any excess water from the peas, then transfer peas to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer puree to a serving bowl, drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and top with caramelized onions and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme if using.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or pita.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Santorini-Style Fava Bean Puree with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Santorini-Style Fava Bean 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 water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Santorini-Style Fava Bean 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 Santorini-Style Fava Bean 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 Santorini-Style Fava Bean 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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