A summertime dish: Trio of Fava, Vlita and Halloumi

Today I offer to all visitors and friends a panathinaeos original, a summertime dish that will nourish you and at the same time refresh and delight you. In addition to everything else, it is a value for money dish, as its cost is very low compared to its value. And this is something we need very much in a period of crisis!

Fava in Greece is made with yellow lentils, not with fava (broad) beans. These yellow lentils are especially tasty on the volcanic island of Santorini. This packet shown in the photo weights about 500 grams and costs around 10 Euros. But is is worth every penny, as their smoky flavor cannot be found in other fava!

I boil the lentils until they become a puree. I then add some olive oil and lemon and let the mix relax.

Today fava is becoming the key ingredient in a summer dish that is very light and refreshing.

The second ingredient is “Vlita”, the summer greens of the Greek countryside, that I just blanch for three minutes and let rest for ten before using them in the trio.

The final step is to compose the trio. Fave is the foundation, vlita on top, capers around the hexagon, and on top and on the sides fried or grilled chunks of “halloumi”, the white goat’s and sheep cheese from Cyprus. For added flavor, you may want to season the vlita before with lemon and olive oil. It is a matter of personal taste. Enjoy!