Entree: Latvia – Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (Grey peas with bacon)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr 30 min

Total 1 hr 45 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (400 g) dried grey peas (pelēkie zirņi)
- Water for soaking and cooking (see instructions); about 6 cups (1.4 L) for cooking after soaking
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked bacon (speķis), diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (8 oz / 225 g)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp (2 g) caraway seeds, optional
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) rendered bacon fat or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, to serve (optional)
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh chives or dill, for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the dried grey peas, then cover with cold water and soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Place the soaked peas in a large pot, add fresh cold water to cover by about 2 inches (use roughly 6 cups / 1.4 L), add bay leaves and caraway seeds if using, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim any foam.
3. Simmer the peas gently, partially covered, until tender but still holding shape, about 60–90 minutes (time varies by pea age). Add more hot water as needed to keep peas just covered. Season lightly with salt toward the end of cooking.
4. While peas cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and render the diced smoked bacon until the fat is released and the pieces are crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and reserve.
5. In the rendered bacon fat (add butter if needed to reach 2 tbsp fat), sauté the chopped onion until golden and soft, about 6–8 minutes.
6. When peas are tender, discard bay leaves. Stir the sautéed onion and most of the crisp bacon pieces into the peas; reserve some bacon for garnish. If desired, mash a small portion (1/2 cup) of the peas against the pot side to thicken the mixture slightly and create a creamier texture.
7. Taste and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat through 2–3 minutes to marry flavors.
8. Serve warm topped with the reserved crispy bacon, chopped chives or dill, and a dollop of sour cream on the side if desired.