SIXTO CARREON

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Latvian Gray Peas with Bacon — Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi

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1–3 minutes

A Latvian winter dish of tender gray peas tossed with bacon and onion.

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Whole grey peas and bacon on a long black platter with a puréed accompaniment, radish, herbs and sour cream.

Gray peas with bacon are a traditional Latvian preparation especially associated with the colder months and Christmas tables. The dish is simple, earthy and filling.

Explore more Latvia recipes in the World Recipe Atlas →

Prep
15 minutes plus soaking
Cook
1 hour 15 minutes
Serves
6

The recipe

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Ingredients

Method

  1. Drain the soaked peas and cover with fresh water.

  2. Simmer gently until tender but still holding their shape, about 50–70 minutes depending on the peas.

  3. Meanwhile, fry bacon until the fat renders and the edges begin to crisp.

  4. Add onion to the bacon and cook until soft and golden.

  5. Drain the peas well, toss with bacon and onion, season with pepper and only enough salt as needed.

Chef’s notes

Do not overcook the peas into a purée. Bacon can be salty, so season the finished dish only after combining everything.

Substitutions

Whole dried yellow peas can be used when Latvian gray peas are unavailable, although the flavor differs.

Serve with

Rye bread or kefir

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a small splash of water if needed.

Allergens

Check bacon for declared allergens or curing additives.

Always Cook with Heart. Always!

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About the Contributor

Written by

Sixto Carreon

Sixto Carreon is a Filipino chef, cookbook author and hospitality writer based in Singapore. Originally from Taytay, Palawan, he has spent more than 14 years in luxury hospitality, with experience in hotel kitchens and banquets. His cookbooks, including The Southeast Asian Flavors, Unpopular Flavors and Filipino Comforts, explain both how a dish is made and why it works. His Pocket Chef guides organise kitchen knowledge for working cooks, and Hospitality at Heart shares practical lessons on service and leadership. He is also the author of the novel The Seventh Course.

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