World Flavors Cookbook

Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (Grey Peas with Bacon)

Name: Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (Grey Peas with Bacon)
Cook time: 90 min
Cuisine: Latvia
Ingredients: 500g grey peas (soaked overnight) 200g smoked bacon, diced 1 large onion, finely chopped Salt and black pepper to taste Sour cream or buttermilk for serving

Latvia's national dish; hearty winter/Christmas Eve staple with earthy grey peas and smoked bacon.

Cuisine: Latvia

Ingredients

500g grey peas (soaked overnight) 200g smoked bacon, diced 1 large onion, finely chopped Salt and black pepper to taste Sour cream or buttermilk for serving

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked peas and place them in a pot with fresh water. 2. Boil the peas until tender but not mushy (about 1 to 1.5 hours). 3. While the peas are boiling, fry the diced bacon in a pan until crisp. 4. Add the chopped onions to the bacon and sauté until golden brown. 5. Drain the cooked peas and mix them with the bacon and onions. 6. Season with salt and pepper. 7. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or a glass of buttermilk.