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Riga (Latvia)
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Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
550kcal
25gProtein
40gCarbs
30gFat
12gFibre
300 gServing
* Per serving · 300 g. May vary.
Pelēkie zirņi
How to order / say it
Say it
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi — [peh-leh-kyeh zeer-nyee]
Order
I'd like to order Pelēkie zirņi.
Locally
Es gribētu pasūtīt pelēkie zirņi.
Say locally
A traditional dish of peas and bacon.
Why try it?
Pelēkie zirņi is a must-try dish to experience the authentic Latvian flavors linking Riga to its agricultural roots. It is the quintessential holiday dish that emphasizes warmth and family.
How it tastes
Combining the earthiness of peas with the smokiness of bacon, this dish is hearty, savory, and offers a comforting warmth ideal for cold days.
Origin & History — first documented: 1700
The dish dates back centuries as peas have long been a staple in Latvian agriculture. Traditionally, it was prepared for winter solstice celebrations and continues to hold cultural importance.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🫘 250 g grey peas
- 🥩 150 g bacon
- 🧄 100 g onions
- 🥛 50 g butter
- 🧂 1 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1 Soak grey peas overnight and then boil until tender.
- 2 Dice bacon and fry in a pan until crispy.
- 3 Add chopped onions and sauté in butter till golden.
- 4 Combine cooked peas, bacon, and onions; season with pepper.
- 5 Serve hot as a comforting main dish.
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