Savory Swedish Green Peas with Crispy Bacon
This delightful dish comes from the beloved cookbook, 'The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas'. When preparing the entire 'Swedish Winter Feast' for a festive holiday, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this robust and hearty side dish. The combination of tender green split peas, crispy bacon, and buttery sautéed onions creates a comforting and flavorful addition to any holiday meal. Paired with Swedish Corned Pork Roast, tangy Sauerkraut, creamy mashed rutabaga, and rustic rye bread, this dish beautifully complements the spread. Prepare to indulge in a truly wonderful culinary experience worthy of celebration!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1/2 lb (chopped)
yellow onion
1 medium (peeled and sliced)
split peas
1 lb (washed and soaked in 6 cups water for 6 hours-overnight)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
butter
4 tablespoons ((1/2 cube))
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain. Retain the flavor by reserving 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
2
Add the sliced onion to the remaining bacon fat in the pan and sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
In a 4 to 6-quart pot, combine the drained split peas, the crispy bacon, and the sautéed onions. Pour in enough fresh water to just cover the mixture.
4
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours or until the peas are thick and the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If necessary, add more water to maintain a creamy consistency.
5
Once the peas are tender and thick, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Swedish Green Peas with Crispy Bacon.
Where did this recipe originate?
This dish comes from the cookbook titled 'The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas'.
How many ingredients are required for this dish?
There are 6 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What kind of peas are used in this Swedish dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of green split peas.
How should the split peas be prepared before cooking?
The split peas should be washed and soaked in 6 cups of water for 6 hours or overnight.
How much bacon is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/2 lb of chopped bacon.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe uses 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced.
How much butter is added to the peas?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter, which is equivalent to 1/2 a cube.
What is the first step in cooking the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
Should I discard the bacon fat?
No, you should reserve 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pan to sauté the onions.
How long should I sauté the yellow onions?
Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What size pot should I use for simmering the peas?
A 4 to 6-quart pot is recommended for combining the ingredients.
How much water should be added to the pot with the peas?
Add enough fresh water to just cover the mixture of peas, bacon, and onions.
What is the total simmering time for the green peas?
The peas should simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the peas are thick and the liquid has been absorbed.
What should I do if the liquid is absorbed before the peas are tender?
If necessary, you can add more water to maintain a creamy consistency while simmering.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper once the peas are tender and thick.
What is the final step in the recipe?
The final step is to stir in the butter until it is melted and well combined.
What are some suggested pairings for Savory Swedish Green Peas?
It pairs well with Swedish Corned Pork Roast, Sauerkraut, mashed rutabaga, and rustic rye bread.
Is this recipe intended as a main course or a side dish?
This is described as a robust and hearty side dish.
What occasion is this recipe best suited for?
It is ideal for a festive holiday meal or a 'Swedish Winter Feast'.
Does the recipe require any specific type of pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies using freshly ground black pepper.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final texture is described as thick and creamy.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Swedish, split peas, bacon, side dish, comfort food, and holiday recipes.
Can I cook the bacon and onions in the same pan?
Yes, you cook the bacon first, remove it, and then use the same pan with reserved fat for the onions.
Do I need to cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, the instructions state to reduce the heat to low and cover the pot after it reaches a boil.
Is this a traditional Swedish recipe?
The recipe is part of a Swedish Winter Feast collection, suggesting traditional Swedish flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it uses 1 lb of split peas as a base.
What is the primary cooking method used?
The primary methods are sautéing and simmering.
Why is it important to stir the peas occasionally?
Stirring occasionally prevents the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot as they thicken.