Fava Beans Hummus

24 Feb Fava Beans Hummus

Since Clean Monday is around the corner, the fasting recipes are trending. 

But first What is a Clean Monday?

What is the meaning of Clean Monday?

Also known as Ash Monday. Clean Monday begins the season of Great Lent in Eastern Orthodox Churches. The Greek name is Kathará Deftéra (Καθαρά Δευτέρα).

What do we eat on a Clean Monday?

“Bloodless” seafood, like octopus, squid, mussels, shellfish are enjoyed along with beans, wild greens, ntolmadakia, halva, taramosalata and pickled goods in all shapes and forms. Also Lagana bread, the special flat bread of Clean Monday.

Meat, eggs, fish, and dairy are out, so it’s a great time to focus on all the other delicacies of the sea.

Why is Clean Monday Important?

After consumption of big amounts of meat during the carnival, Clean Monday comes to clean and purify the body and soul and prepare believers for Easter. Another name for Clean Monday is “Koulouma” (Κούλουμα). 

Koulouma means the massive visit of people to the countryside to celebrate Clean Monday.

Let’s focus on today’s recipe now.

Have you ever had fava? After trying this recipe you will make it all the time. It is a super easy recipe to follow and so delicious. You can have fava with caramelized onions, Greek olives, Greek salad and the best match for me is octopus.

• Ingredients:
  400gr (14 ounces) yellow fava beans,
• 2 onions, roughly chopped (plus for serving),
• 1 big carrot, roughly chopped,
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped,
• 1200ml warm water,
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon (plus for serving),
• 1/3 of a cup Greek Extra Virgin Olive oil,
• salt and fresh pepper.

The method:

1. Rinse the fava beans with plenty of cold water.
2. Heat a big pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 to 3 tbsps Greek Extra Virgin Olive oil, the onions, carrot, garlic and sauté them.
3. As soon as the onions start to caramelize add the fava and saute for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the warm water and turn the heat down to medium. Simmer with the lid on for about 60 minutes, until the fava is thick and mushy (it must be left with ⅔ of water).
5. While the fava is boiling, some white foam will probably come to the surface of the water. Remove the foam with a wooden spoon.
6. When the fava is left with the ⅔ of water then add the lemon juice and zest, the rest of Greek Virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and blend with your food processor.
7. Mix, until the fava becomes smooth and creamy, like a puree.
8. Transfer to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes.
9. Serve the fava with a drizzle of olive oil, a tablespoon of diced red onion, Greek olives!

Enjoy!

Your Greek friend,

Theodora

Also a good recipe for fasting is this:

Briam – A Greek Vegetarian Meal