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🥩
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥580kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾22gCarbs
🥑38gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Riga Grey Peas with Bacon

How to order / say it
Say it Rīgas pelēkie zirņi ar speķi — [Ree-gas peh-leh-kee zeer-nee ar speh-kee]
Order I'd like Riga Grey Peas with Bacon, please.
Locally Lūdzu, Rīgas pelēkos zirņus ar speķi.
Say locally

This dish consists of gray peas sautéed with bacon.

Why try it?

This dish embodies Riga's traditional cuisine and is a staple during winter and festive occasions. It showcases the hearty and simple flavors of Latvian food culture.

How it tastes

It has an earthy pea flavor harmonized with the rich and savory notes of smoked bacon. The texture is both creamy and slightly chunky.

Origin & History — first documented: 1700

Riga Grey Peas have been part of the local diet for centuries, traditionally served to bring prosperity and good fortune, especially during Christmas. It became symbolic of survival during times of scarcity.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🫘 500 g gray peas
  • 🥩 200 g bacon
  • 🧄 1 large onion
  • 🧂 to taste salt
  • 🧂 to taste pepper
  • 🥛 50 g butter

Method

  1. 1 Soak peas overnight.
  2. 2 Sauté bacon until crisp.
  3. 3 Add onion; cook until soft.
  4. 4 Add peas and cook until tender.
  5. 5 Season with salt and pepper.
All Europe recipes — Latvia — Riga — Riga Grey Peas with Bacon
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