Fava with olive oil infused with mastiha

Ingredients for 6 servings
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (and 2 tablespoons extra)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fava beans, washed and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 5-7 cups water or light vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 2 bunches of arugula, coarsely chopped
- 1-2 heaping tablespoons sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons raisin vinegar or another strong vinegar
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil infused with mastic
- 1 teaspoon pink pepper (optional)
Cooking instructions
- In a pot or pressure cooker, heat 1/3 cup of olive oil.
- Add the onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes. Add the fava, garlic, and bay leaf, and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add enough water or broth to cover the fava. Cover the pot and bring the fava to a boil. Then, lower the heat, uncover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. (If using authentic Santorini fava, it requires much less cooking time).
- During the cooking process, add more liquid if necessary to prevent sticking. Once the fava thickens, remove it from the heat.
- Add salt and remove the bay leaf. Cover the pot with a cloth and leave it for 1 hour. The mixture will be quite thick.
- In a large, preferably cast-iron or non-stick pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the leeks. Lower the heat and cook for about 30 minutes, until they take on a deep amber color. Add sugar and stir for another 5-10 minutes for further caramelization. Add the arugula, stir for 6-7 minutes, lightly salt, and add vinegar. Remove the mixture from the heat.
- Transfer the fava to a serving platter and garnish with the leek and arugula mixture. Drizzle with olive oil infused with mastic and a little pink pepper, and serve.