Greek Fava Spread - Which Ingredients List?

[dpappas87]

I am making Greek Fava Spread for a potluck and it's been ages since I've made it. I lost my recipe. I found three that look similar, and they all look delicious. Which of these variations (and I am only sharing the ingredients) looks the most traditional or the tastiest?

Variation 1

• 1 cup yellow split peas, cooked
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)

Variation 2

• 1 cup yellow split peas, cooked
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped mint

Variation 3

• 1 cup yellow split peas, cooked
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I love that you're making fava for a potluck—it’s such a flavorful and underrated Greek dish! All three versions sound great, but in terms of tradition, I’d say Variation 1 is the most classic. The combination of yellow split peas, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and parsley is simple and true to the traditional flavors you’d find in a taverna on the islands, especially in Santorini where fava is iconic.

Variation 2 with mint sounds refreshing but less common—it leans more modern or regional. Mint isn't typically in the traditional version. Variation 3 adds red pepper, which gives a nice kick if you're going for something with a twist, but again, not traditional.

If you're aiming to please a crowd and keep it authentic, go with Variation 1. You can always drizzle extra olive oil and a few capers or red onion slices on top for garnish. So good!