Fava is a light purée made from yellow split peas, and is eaten as an appetizer or meze, and as a side dish. As a legume, it's wildly healthy, but a little bland, so it's traditionally served drizzled with fruity olive oil (you can see our golden-green Cretan olive oil in the photo), garnished with sweet red onion, and served to complement dishes with strong or salty tastes.
Best taste combinations: Fava goes especially well with fish, green leafy vegetables, and spicy foods. For a great Greek meal, serve fava with olives, feta cheese, horta (dark leafy greens), tiny fried fish, and some great crusty bread.
Where to find the peas: Look for the best quality peas at a Greek grocery store. Yellow daal is a good substitute and can be found at Indian markets, and if push comes to shove, yellow split peas sold at your local grocery store will do.
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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