Santorini Fava Beans

The fava of Santorini is something special and unique since it comes from the variety Lathyrus Clymenum that exists on the island for 3500 years. Santorinian fava beans is served as a salad, leaves a full and sweet taste in the mouth and has a rich flavour. The mill of Spyros Nomikos in Bothonas is one of the first factories producing fava. However, you will be able to find it all over the island. Unpacked, from the local growers in the flea market over the parking land near the square of Fira and packed, from Sineterismos (Agricultural Cooperative Society) with the name of the growet written on the package in order to know what you are buying. Of course you can taste it in restaurants all over the island in various culinary dishes such as: with onion olive oil and lemon juice, with octopus, with caramelized onions, with chopped pork or even as fava bean soup.

How to cook the santorinian fava beans
The most popular, quick and easy fava beans recipe.

You're gonna need:

• 500 grammar of fava
• 2 medium onions (chopped)
• Olive oil, salt, pepper
• Fresh lemon juice, capers and a small chopped fresh onion (for garnish)

Rinse well fava and put it to boil in a saucepan with enough water. When the water begins to boil add the salt and the start taking the bubbles with a spoon. In a few moments (after you take the bubbles), add the chopped onions and lower heat and stir constantly to avoid sticking the fava beans. When fava makes a paste it is ready. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and when fava is cool enough add the pepper and the olive oil. Finally, add the fresh lemon juice, the capers and the fresh chopped onion.