Contents
Grey Peas with Bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi)
A hearty and traditional Latvian dish made with grey peas, crispy smoked bacon, and caramelized onions – a perfect comfort meal for winter and festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried grey peas
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling)
- 200 g smoked bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿
- Rye bread, for serving 🍞
Instructions
- Soak the peas overnight in cold water for at least 12 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking. 🕛
- In a large pot, boil the peas in salted water until tender (around 45–60 minutes). Drain and set aside. 🫗
- While the peas are cooking, fry the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside. 🥓
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat (add butter if needed) until golden and caramelized. 🧅
- Add the cooked peas to the pan, along with the crispy bacon. Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with dark rye bread on the side. Garnish with parsley if desired. 🍽️
Notes
🇱🇻 Grey Peas with Bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) – A Latvian Classic Comfort Food 🥓🌱
When visiting Latvia, one dish you simply must try is the hearty and traditional Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi, or Grey Peas with Bacon. 🇱🇻 This iconic recipe holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Latvians and has even been registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the European Union. But this dish is more than just food — it’s a symbol of heritage, resilience, and prosperity, often served during Christmas and New Year celebrations as a good luck charm for the coming year. 🥂✨🫘 What Are Latvian Grey Peas?
Latvian grey peas are a unique, heirloom legume variety that closely resemble chickpeas, but they’re:- Darker in color 🌫️
- Larger in size 💪
- Firmer in texture 🧱
- Richer in flavor, with a nutty, earthy undertone 🌰
- Large Grey Peas – The traditional kind, now rarer and harder to cultivate.
- Smaller Grey Peas – More widely available in stores and restaurants.
💡 Why You’ll Love Grey Peas with Bacon
✅ Hearty comfort food perfect for winter evenings✅ A historically significant dish tied to Latvian culture
✅ High in protein and fiber – great for energy and digestion
✅ A must-try for food travelers seeking authentic Baltic cuisine
🏠 Where to Eat It in Latvia
You’ll find this traditional dish in: 🍽️ Latvian taverns & folk-style restaurants🏡 Home kitchens during holidays and family gatherings
🎄 Christmas markets in Riga, where it’s served piping hot in wooden bowls with rye bread
🍽️ How Grey Peas with Bacon Are Served
- 🥓 Topped with crispy smoked bacon
- 🧅 Enhanced with sweet caramelized onions
- 🍞 Served with dark rye bread on the side for a perfect flavor balance
- ❄️ Best enjoyed warm, especially during the chilly Baltic winters
