Louvana (Cypriot Yellow Split Pea Puree)

Louvana is a Cypriot Lenten staple, a silky puree of yellow split peas finished with olive oil, lemon, and raw onion. It’s humble, filling, and naturally vegan.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups yellow split peas, rinsed
• 4 cups water
• 1 small onion, halved (for cooking)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped, for serving
• Chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the split peas
   Combine the split peas, water, halved onion, and bay leaf in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, skimming any foam, for 35-40 minutes, until the peas fall apart.
2. Remove aromatics
   Discard the onion halves and bay leaf. Season with salt.
3. Puree
   Blend or mash the peas until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen.
4. Finish
   Stir in the olive oil and most of the lemon juice.
5. Serve
   Spread on a plate, drizzle with more olive oil, and top with chopped red onion, parsley, and a final squeeze of lemon.

Serve warm or at room temperature, with crusty bread on the side.