Speķa Pīrāgi (Latvian Bacon and Onion Buns)
Local name: Speķa pīrāgi
In short: Soft crescent-shaped yeast buns filled with smoky diced bacon and onion, glazed with egg and baked until golden, a Latvian party staple. It takes about 1 h 8 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 50 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Resting
- 1 h 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 8 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 290 kcal
No Latvian celebration is complete without a tray of speķa pīrāgi. These small crescent-shaped buns hold a filling of smoked bacon and onion inside a soft, slightly sweet yeast dough. They are served warm at birthdays, Christmas and New Year, and they disappear fast. The bacon only needs to start frying before it goes into the dough, since it finishes cooking in the oven. Make plenty, because everyone eats at least three.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter and egg and knead for 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Fry the bacon in a dry pan for 6 to 8 minutes, until the fat starts to render but the bacon is not crisp. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Season with the pepper and cool completely.
- Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line two baking sheets with baking paper.
- Roll the dough about 4 mm (1/6 in) thick and cut it into 10 cm (4 in) circles. Put a level tablespoon of filling on each circle, fold it into a half-moon, press the edges firmly and curve into a crescent.
- Place the buns on the sheets, cover and let them rise for 20 minutes. Brush with the egg yolk and milk.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden. Serve warm.
Tips
- Do not fry the bacon until crisp, because it finishes in the oven. Cool the filling completely, or it will melt the dough as you shape it.
- A pinch of caraway or a spoonful of chopped dill in the filling gives a nice variation.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze bacon buns?
Yes. Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months and reheat them at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Shaped unbaked buns can also be frozen, then thawed, proofed and baked.
Why did the filling leak out of my pīrāgi?
Usually there was too much filling or the seal was weak. Use about 1 tablespoon per bun and press the edge firmly, crimping it with a fork if needed.
What are pīrāgi served with?
They are served warm with tea, kefir or beer at parties and birthdays. Many families also put a plate on the table at Christmas.
How long does it take to make Speķa Pīrāgi (Latvian Bacon and Onion Buns)?
About 1 h 8 min in total: 50 min of preparation and 18 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Speķa Pīrāgi (Latvian Bacon and Onion Buns)?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 36 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 530 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
