Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (Latvian Grey Peas with Bacon)
Local name: Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi
In short: Soft whole grey peas topped with crisp smoked bacon and golden onion, the dish that sits at the center of the Latvian Christmas table. It takes about 2 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 12 h
- Total
- 2 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 410 kcal
Grey peas with bacon is the dish Latvians cook at Christmas and New Year, and many would call it the national dish. The small, dark peas are soaked overnight and simmered until soft but still whole, then topped with smoked bacon and onions fried in its fat. A glass of cold kefir or buttermilk goes alongside, and so does rye bread. It is plain food, and the plainness is the point.
Instructions
- Put the drained peas, water and bay leaf in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until soft but still holding their shape. Add hot water if the pot gets dry.
- Add the salt for the last 15 minutes. If the peas are very watery, drain off some of the liquid and keep it.
- Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a dry pan over medium heat for 10 minutes, until crisp and golden. Add the onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until soft and golden.
- Stir half of the bacon and onion mixture into the peas along with the pepper, adding a little of the cooking liquid if needed. The peas should be moist, not soupy. Mash a few lightly.
- Serve hot, topped with the rest of the bacon, onions and fat, with kefir and rye bread.
Tips
- Whole dried green peas or marrowfat peas work if you cannot find grey peas. Soak them well and check for doneness after 45 minutes.
- Add the salt late. Salt at the start of cooking can keep the pea skins tough.
Questions and answers
What are grey peas?
Grey peas, also called maple peas, are a small, dark field pea grown in Latvia. They hold their shape when cooked and taste earthy, a little like whole green peas.
Can I make grey peas ahead of time?
Yes. The peas keep for 4 days in the fridge and reheat well with a splash of water. Make the bacon topping fresh.
What do you serve with grey peas and bacon?
Cold kefir or buttermilk is the traditional drink. Rye bread, pickled cucumbers and sauerkraut are common on the side.
How long does it take to make Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (Latvian Grey Peas with Bacon)?
About 2 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (Latvian Grey Peas with Bacon)?
About 410 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 43 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 410 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
