Fava pantremeni ... or the married fava

Can fava get married? Culinary creativity can make it happen. When Greek cooks decide to cook fava pantremeni, meaning the married fava, they have to choose carefully the ingredients. Like any successful marriage, the way different elements connect in the dish is of vital importance.

Advice for good marriage:

The groom                                               The bride

2 cups of green split peas (fava)                1 small onion or 2 green onions

1 medium onion                                       1 Tsp capers

3 Tsp olive oil                                          Extra virgin olive oil for serving

Water

salt

The ceremony

Wash the split peas under cold water. 

Put the split peas in a medium pan and cover with water. Turn the heat on and bring to a boil. Remove the foam and discard the water. 

In a deep bottom pan heat the olive oil and saute the onion. Add the split peas and give them a spin in the hot oil. Add enough hot water to cover the peas.

While the peas are cooking, keep adding hot water if needed. When the peas are almost soft add salt to your liking. The peas are ready when they are soft and most of the water has evaporated. 

During the cooking peas will start dissolving, creating a puree with big chunks of peas. If you like the puree smoother you can always use the food processor.

Serve the fava in a bowl. Cut the onion in whatever shape you like and decorate the top along with some capers. Finish with a hearty serving of olive oil.

Marriage counseling

The two parties can always bring more into the wedding. For example, many cooks like tho flavor the fava with some kind of stock, such as vegetable or chicken.

On the bride's side, fava can be served with some kind of protein, usually seafood. On Greek islands cooks serve it with grilled octopus or fried cuttle fish. This is an excellent combination, as the ocean breeze of the seafood compliments well the earthy flavors of split peas. However, the choice of protein is entirely to your liking.

Just remember that when it comes to serving fava the Greek way it works as simplistic as a marriage. You don't need many ingredients. After all, a little more adds flavor, but a lot more is a crowd!