Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi
Main Dish, Side Dish • Bacon, Vegetable
Already have Recipe Keeper?
Ingredients
- 1 pound 1 3/4 ounces (about 2½ cups) dried Latvian grey peas
- (or chickpeas if substituting)
- 200–10 1/2 ounces smoked bacon (speķis), diced
- 1–2 large onions, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Water, for soaking and cooking
- Optional (traditional but not mandatory):
- Dark rye bread, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
Directions
- 1. Soak the Peas (Day Before)
- Rinse the dried grey peas thoroughly.
- Place them in a large bowl, cover generously with cold water, and soak overnight (8–12 hours).
- 2. Cook the Peas
- Drain the soaked peas and place them in a large pot.
- Cover with fresh water by about 5 cm / 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until tender but not mushy.
- • Cooking time: 45–90 minutes depending on the peas
- • Add more hot water if needed
- Drain, leaving just a little moisture.
- 3. Fry the Bacon
- While the peas cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced smoked bacon and fry until golden and crispy, letting the fat render.
- Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Do not discard the fat.
- 4. Cook the Onions
- Add chopped onions to the bacon fat.
- Sauté until soft, golden, and lightly caramelized (about 8–10 minutes).
- 5. Combine
- Add the cooked peas to the skillet with the onions.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pan.
- Stir gently until everything is well coated with the bacon fat.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 6. Serve
- Serve hot, traditionally with dark rye bread.
- A spoonful of sour cream may be added at the table.
Notes
- Latvian Grey Peas with Bacon
- TRADITIONAL NOTES
- Seasoning is intentionally minimal
- Texture should be firm, not creamy
- The dish relies on smoked fat + legumes, not herbs or spices
- Historically eaten to symbolize prosperity and good fortune
- SUBSTITUTION NOTE (If Grey Peas Are Unavailable)
- Chickpeas are the most commonly accepted substitute, used 1:1 by volume, while keeping all other steps identical.
