Split Pea Purée with Pita Wedges

My Simple Split Pea Purée: A Taste of Greece at Home

As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Split Pea Purée, or fava as they call it in Greece, has become a recent favorite. I first tasted it at a small taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the memory of that vibrant flavor still lingers. The creamy texture and bright, fresh taste were a revelation, a far cry from the bland, heavy dips I'd tried before. Now, I regularly whip up a batch for family dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients, and the cooking process is remarkably straightforward. The key is to simmer the peas gently, allowing them to break down and create that luscious, thick purée. You'll need to keep a watchful eye and stir frequently to prevent scorching – a small price to pay for the incredible results. The subtle sweetness of the peas is balanced beautifully by the tang of lemon juice and the peppery bite of arugula. The capers add a delightful brininess, and the pita wedges provide the perfect vessel for scooping up every last bit of this delightful dip.

Beyond its ease of preparation, this recipe also offers incredible versatility. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. I often prepare it ahead of time, refrigerating it overnight and bringing it to room temperature before serving. It’s also a wonderful way to use up leftover cooked peas, should you have any. The possibilities are truly endless! Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Other times, I’ll experiment with different herbs, such as mint or dill, to complement the peas' natural sweetness. Each time I make it, it feels like a little culinary adventure, a journey back to that charming Greek taverna, without leaving my own kitchen.

I encourage you to try this recipe, and I'm confident it will quickly become a staple in your own cooking repertoire. It's a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple, and a perfect example of how uncomplicated ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The aroma alone is enough to transport you – the gentle fragrance of peas simmering low, intermingled with hints of garlic and lemon. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and a little bit of love.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some relaxing music, and enjoy the process of creating this delicious, simple, and utterly satisfying Split Pea Purée. Serve it with some crusty pita bread, maybe a glass of chilled white wine, and prepare for a delightful culinary experience. You won't regret it! And who knows, perhaps it will become your new favorite go-to dip, just as it has become mine.

Step-by-step

• Combine water, peas, bay leaves and garlic in heavy large saucepan.
• Bring to boil, skimming foam off top of water.
• Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered until thick, whisking often, about 1 hour.
• Cool slightly.
• Discard bay leaves.
• Whisk 3 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice into pea mixture.
• Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
• Transfer mixture to platter.
• Sprinkle with green onions and capers.
• Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice over.
• Top with arugula.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with pita wedges.