Fava - Split Pea Purée

Fava is a Greek appetizer, which must not be confused with fava beans because it's nor made from fava beans. It is a  yellow split pea purée and a delicious Greek veggie dish whose origins lie on the islands of Santorini and Skiros. Here's a recipe of the authentic Greek fava by one of Greece's greatest chefs - Akis Petretzikis. 
INGREDIENTS

• 200g split peas
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 50g onion
• 50g carrots
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• salt and pepper
• spring onions for serving

DIRECTIONS

• Cover the peas with water and bring to a boil.
• Remove from heat and strain.
• Chop the onion, garlic and carrot
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sautée the onion, garlic , carrot and bay leaves.
• Add the split peas, sautée and add some hot water to cover the split peas in the pot. Leave until the split peas are softened and water adsorbed, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
• Strain the remaining water and remove the bay leaves.
• Purée the peas in a multi blender.
• Add the juice of one lemon, salt, pepper and the remaining olive oil.
• Serve with spring onions .
• You may also wish to add some cherry tomatoes and/or red pepper.