Yellow Split Peas Soup / Σούπα Λουβάνα

Louvana, or Fava, is a traditional, vegan, Cypriot soup. It’s delicious, nutritious and very easy to make.

Louvana are small, yellow split peas, high in protein and low in fat. You can substitute the split peas for red split lentils if you prefer.

In Cyprus, they don’t really spice the soup up, but I do! This recipe is my take on it and it’s delicious, even if I say so myself! The proof is in the pudding as they say!

Ingredients:

225g yellow split peas

6 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1.5 litre (2-1/2 pints) vegetable or chicken stock (you can also use either 1 vegetable or 1 chicken stock cube)

1/2 tsp cumin + chilli flakes + turmeric

Salt and pepper

4 tbsp long grain rice, rinsed and drained

Paprika + olive oil

Method:

Soak peas in cold water for 30 minutes or longer.

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan, and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Drain peas and add them to the onions, mix well, then add the spices, salt and pepper. Cover with the hot stock and bring to the boil, stir and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Mix in the washed and drained rice, and continue simmering for 20 minutes, or until the peas become very soft.

Taste the soup and blend until smooth – you may need to add more water if it’s too thick.

Ladle into warm bowls, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a little paprika and enjoy with crusty bread.

N.B. It’s important to remember that the soup goes very thick when cold, so you will need to thin it down by adding some water.