What is Fava? The Secret to Perfect Texture and Flavor Harmony

When you sit at a Turkish tavern table, right after the white cheese and melon, your eyes search for that velvety, golden-yellow dish: Fava. This richness within simplicity is one of the most precious legacies bestowed upon us by Aegean cuisine. A masterpiece where dried broad beans (fava beans) simmer patiently to integrate with olive oil, it remains one of the most beloved classics at the Kepos table.

Let’s explore the world of Fava—prepared to perfection in the Kepos Balık Evi kitchen—and its culinary secrets.

What Kind of Beans are Used for Fava?

Fava is not made from fresh green beans, but from dried and shelled yellow broad beans. To achieve the signature yellow color and characteristic deep flavor, the highest quality local crops must be selected. When boiled, these dried beans release their natural starch, creating that famous texture: firm enough to hold its shape, yet silky enough to melt in your mouth.

Fava - Kepos Balık Evi

The Secret to Great Fava: Patience and Technique

According to Kepos chefs, there are three fundamental details that separate an authentic Fava from a simple bean puree:

1. Onion and Sugar Balance: Adding chopped onions during the simmering process to caramelize, along with a pinch of sugar, breaks the natural bitterness of the beans and deepens the flavor profile.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Fava loves olive oil. Both the oil added during cooking and the drizzle added at service must be of the highest quality, cold-pressed variety.

3. The Straining Process: For a velvet-smooth texture, the boiled beans must be passed through a fine-mesh sieve. A Fava with zero lumps is the mark of true kitchen mastery.
   

How is Fava Served?

Fava is served with a generous drizzle of olive oil, finely chopped fresh dill, and preferably rings of red onion. The refreshing aroma of the dill creates a perfect equilibrium with the dense flavor of the beans. Some gourmets also prefer a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the taste even further.

Fava and Seafood at the Rakı Table

Fava is the "satisfying and softening" power of the Rakı table. The creamy structure of the Fava beautifully balances the bold, anise-heavy texture of Rakı. It is the meze that best accompanies warm appetizers like fried calamari or shrimp casseroles and sets the pace for the conversation at the table.

Continue the Flavor Journey: If you are curious about the "aristocratic" companion that pairs best with Fava, check out our article: Lakerda: The King of Cured Fish.

Authentic Fava Experience in Ankara at Kepos

After hours of meticulous simmering and straining in the kitchen, our velvety Fava arrives fresh at your table every day at Kepos Balık Evi. We invite you to experience traditional tavern etiquette and this unique flavor in Çayyolu.

📞 Reservation: +90 312 235 67 31 📍 Address: Mutlukent Mah. Angora Bulvarı No: 66, Çayyolu/Ankara 📱 Instagram: kepos_balikevi