Discover the authentic taste of Latvia with this Grey Peas with Bacon (Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi) recipe. A beloved traditional dish featuring tender grey peas simmered with savory bacon and served with a dollop of creamy sour cream. Perfect for a hearty meal that captures the essence of Latvian comfort food. Try this easy-to-make recipe and bring a touch of Latvian culinary tradition to your table. 

Ingredients:

- 1 cup grey peas (soaked overnight)

- 200g bacon, diced

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Peas: Drain the soaked grey peas and rinse them under cold water.

Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it starts to brown and render its fat, about 5 minutes.

Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook the Peas: Add the rinsed peas to the pot with the bacon and onion. Pour in enough water to cover the peas by about an inch. If using, stir in the caraway seeds.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the bacon. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the peas covered.

Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Spoon the grey peas and bacon into bowls and serve with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side.

Enjoy this hearty Latvian classic as a comforting main dish or a savory side!

Nutritional Values:

Grey Peas:

- Calories: 115

- Protein: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 20g

- Fiber: 6g

- Fat: 0.4g

Benefits:

- High in protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.

- Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.

- Provides essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc for various bodily functions.

Bacon:

- Calories: 400

- Protein: 37g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fat: 30g

Benefits:

- High protein content, supporting muscle development and repair.

- A good source of vitamin B12, important for red blood cell formation and nervous system health.

Onion:

- Calories: 40

- Protein: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 9g

- Fiber: 1.7g

- Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which help combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

- May support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Vegetable Oil:

- Calories: 884

- Protein: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fat: ~100g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy fats, which support heart health (depending on the type of oil used, such as olive oil).

Caraway Seeds (optional):

- Calories: 333

- Protein: 19g

- Carbohydrates: 38g

- Fiber: 11g

- Fat: 15g

Benefits:

- Known to aid digestion and relieve bloating and gas.

- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Sour Cream:

- Calories: 193

- Protein: 2.9g

- Carbohydrates: 4.6g

- Fat: 18g

Benefits:

- Provides calcium, essential for bone health.

- Contains probiotics, which can promote a healthy gut microbiome.

This combination of ingredients in Grey Peas with Bacon offers a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, with added richness and flavor.