Fava Bean Dip

Recipe-Ingrediants

"Fava Bean Dip"
Fava beans are the fruit of the plant known as "lathouri," which are dried and cooked afterward. While in Greece, fava beans come from the seeds of the lathouri plant, in other countries, they may be made from peas or lentils. Fava beans are popular in Santorini and other regions of Greece but are also cultivated in many other parts of the world.
Fava beans are a highly nutritious food, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They contain vitamin B1, iron, copper, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, and magnesium. Furthermore, they are low in saturated fats and cholesterol but high in plant-based fiber and proteins. They promote digestive health, help maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and offer various benefits for overall health.
Fava beans have deep roots in history and have been used for centuries. The term "fava" first appears around the 6th to 5th century BC in written texts and is associated with a simple dish. In the 2nd century BC, the physician Dioscorides first connected the term "fava" with the fruit of the lathouri plant. In ancient times, the word "fava" referred not only to lathouri but also to other legumes.
The cultivation of lathouri dates back to antiquity and has continued for over 5,000 years in the Southeastern Mediterranean. In Greece, it has been cultivated since the late 5th millennium BC. In the Cyclades, particularly in Santorini, it was an essential food for the poor population.
The proverb "Κάποιο λάκκο έχει η φάβα" (Fava has some hole) is used metaphorically to imply that someone or something is hiding or has hidden intentions that are not apparent. The proverb is attributed to the monk Parthenios Katzioulis, who was known for turning the common language into an archaic form.
Other well-known proverbs related to fava include:
• "Σαν σ' αρέσει η φάβα, σπείρε και κάνα λαθούρι," which means if you like fava beans, you should also plant some lathouri.
• "Γάμος χωρίς όργανα, φάβα χωρίς κρεμμύδια," which signifies that something is incomplete or lacking without the necessary elements or conditions.
These proverbs reflect the multifaceted significance and wide usage of fava beans in Greek tradition and culture.
Now, let's take a look at the delicious fava bean dip recipe:

Ingredients:
• 250g fava beans
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• Juice from one juicy lemon
• Zest from one lemon
• ? cup water from boiling the fava beans
• Smoked paprika
• 100g olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste