Zirni and Bacon Delight

This hearty dish combines tender peas with savory bacon and onions for a comforting meal. The peas are soaked to soften them, and then slowly simmered until perfectly cooked. As the peas cook, the bacon and onions are sautéed to add a rich, smoky flavor. This dish is often served during festive occasions and provides a satisfying, filling meal. The combination of flavors makes it a delightful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Its simplicity in preparation allows even novice cooks to create a masterpiece. Despite its humble ingredients, the result is a robust dish full of flavor. Whether served as a standalone delight or paired with a refreshing glass of kefir, this dish embodies comfort and tradition. Dive into this delicious meal and enjoy the culinary journey!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 700 g peas
• 500 g bacon with fat
• 500 g onions

Additional Ingredients:

• Salt
• Oil

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes (Preparation: 20 minutes, Cooking: 60 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Soak the Peas: Begin by soaking the peas for approximately 4 hours to soften them.
2. Prepare for Cooking: Measure out 700 g of peas. You'll want about 500 g of bacon and the same amount of onions; a generous sauce is always delightful.
3. Cook the Peas: After soaking, boil the peas for 40-60 minutes. As they approach softness, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
4. Sauté the Bacon and Onions: About 20 minutes before the peas are fully cooked, start prepping the bacon and onions.
5. Chop the Ingredients: Dice the bacon and onions into small pieces for even cooking.
6. Heat the Pan: Add a touch of oil to a pan and warm it over medium heat.
7. Fry the Bacon: Add the bacon pieces to the pan and sauté until they begin to brown.
8. Add Onions: Once the bacon is halfway done, stir in the chopped onions.
9. Season to Taste: Sprinkle a bit of salt over the mixture to enhance the flavors.
10. Cook Until Caramelized: Continue stirring until the onions turn golden brown and aromatic, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
11. Watch the Peas: Ensure the peas aren’t overcooked; they should be tender yet hold their shape.
12. Combine Ingredients: Once everything is cooked, mix the bacon-onion mixture into the pot with the peas.
13. Stir Well: Ensure everything is thoroughly mixed, coating the peas in the flavorful bacon and onion sauce.
14. Taste and Adjust: Sample the dish and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt.
15. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.
16. Serve Warm: Dish out the mixture while it’s still warm.
17. Add a Twist: For a festive twist, serve with a glass of kefir.
18. Enjoy: The dish is now ready to be enjoyed. Savor each bite!
19. Store Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
20. Reheat Carefully: When reheating, do so gently over low heat to maintain texture.

Tips

• Pea Soaking: Soaking the peas overnight can enhance their texture and reduce cooking time.
• Bacon Choices: Choose bacon with a good amount of fat for a richer flavor.
• Onion Variety: Yellow onions are ideal for this dish due to their sweetness when cooked.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute bacon with smoked tofu for a vegetarian variant.

Nutritions

• Calories: 500 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbs: 45g

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes for a touch of heat.
• Herbs: Try adding fresh parsley or dill for an aromatic twist.
• Vegan Version: Use smoked paprika instead of bacon and reduce the oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled kefir.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Best Places

1. Bistro Gatavot - Traditional Eastern European cuisine with a modern twist. Location: Riga, Latvia.
2. Peas & Harmony Café - Specializes in pea-based dishes and cozy ambiance. Location: Vilnius, Lithuania.
3. The Cozy Bowl - Home-style cooking with global influences. Location: Tallinn, Estonia.
4. Warm Plate - Known for its heartwarming meals and friendly service. Location: Warsaw, Poland.
5. The Pea Paradise - Celebrated for its creative pea dishes and inviting atmosphere. Location: Prague, Czech Republic.
6. Rustic Delight - Combines rustic charm with wholesome meals. Location: Krakow, Poland.
7. Aurora's Kitchen - Offers a delightful mix of traditional and modern flavors. Location: Budapest, Hungary.
8. Hearty Haven - Renowned for robust Eastern European meals. Location: Sofia, Bulgaria.
9. Peas & Peace - A retreat for those looking for taste and tranquility. Location: Bucharest, Romania.
10. Caraway Café - Exotic, comforting, and rich in history. Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia.