Lithuanian Labas

Lithuanian Labas Recipe - Hearty and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

Region / culture: Lithuania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Lithuanian Labas is a delicious and hearty breakfast dish that combines eggs, bacon, vegetables, and cheese. This savory dish is perfect for starting your day off right with a burst of flavor and protein.

History

Lithuanian Labas has been a traditional dish in Lithuania for many years. It is a popular breakfast option that is loved for its rich and satisfying flavors. The combination of eggs, bacon, and cheese is a classic one that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

4 large eggs
0.5 small onion
3 (3" long) green pepper slivers
1 large mushroom
salt and pepper to taste
4 slices bacon
3 – 6 strips cheddar cheese
1 – 2 tbsp picante sauce (to taste)
2 lightly toasted rye bread slices
sour cream

How to prepare

Fry the bacon until it is crisp.
Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Drain or blot dry the bacon.
In a large diameter shallow pan, melt enough butter to thoroughly coat the bottom and sides.
Saute the finely diced onions until they are ready to brown.
Add the diced green pepper and cook for a short time.
In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, diced mushrooms, picante sauce, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the onions and peppers, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
As the mixture begins to cook and set, lift the edges to allow the runny portions to fill and set.
Continue doing this until the mixture is just barely set.
Sprinkle the bacon bits over half of one side of the mixture.
Lay the cheese strips over the same half of the mixture.
Cover the pan and let it cook enough for the cheese to begin melting, but be careful not to overcook the eggs.
Slide the cooked mixture off onto a plate while folding one half over the other.
Serve portions on rye bread and cover with dollops of sour cream on top of the eggs.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Make sure to evenly distribute the ingredients in the pan to ensure that each bite is full of flavor.

- Keep an eye on the eggs as they cook to prevent overcooking and ensure a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Lithuanian Labas is best served hot with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the eggs on low heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

- Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey sausage or ham instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute bell peppers for the green peppers for a sweeter taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Lithuanian Labas the night before and assemble and cook the dish in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lithuanian Labas on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lithuanian Labas pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a complete breakfast experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Lithuanian Labas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lithuanian Labas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lithuanian Labas contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lithuanian Labas contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lithuanian Labas contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lithuanian Labas is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Lithuanian Labas contains eggs, dairy (cheese and sour cream), and bacon, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lithuanian Labas is a nutritious and filling breakfast option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Lithuanian Labas is a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a combination of eggs, bacon, vegetables, and cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your breakfast table.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Lithuanian Labas. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Katerina's home in the Lithuanian countryside. As soon as I walked through the door, I was enveloped in the delicious aroma of spices and herbs, wafting from her kitchen.

Katerina greeted me with a warm smile and led me to the kitchen, where she was busy preparing a traditional Lithuanian feast. She explained to me that Labas was a popular dish in Lithuania, made with fresh vegetables, tender meat, and a secret blend of spices passed down through generations.

As I watched Katerina work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be struck by her skill and passion for cooking. She moved with grace and confidence, effortlessly chopping vegetables, seasoning meat, and stirring pots with a sense of purpose and joy.

I asked Katerina if she would be willing to share the recipe for Lithuanian Labas with me, and she smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling with excitement. She explained that the key to a truly delicious Labas was in the careful selection and preparation of the ingredients, as well as the slow simmering of the dish to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

Katerina took me under her wing that day, teaching me the intricacies of preparing Lithuanian Labas. She showed me how to choose the freshest vegetables, tenderest meat, and most fragrant spices, and guided me through the process of cooking them all together in perfect harmony.

I watched and learned as Katerina worked, absorbing every detail and technique she shared with me. She showed me how to sauté onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant, how to brown meat until it was tender and juicy, and how to simmer everything together with broth and herbs until the flavors melded into a rich and savory stew.

As we cooked together, Katerina regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe for Lithuanian Labas when she was just a young girl. She spoke of the love and care that went into preparing the dish, of the memories and traditions that were passed down through the generations, and of the joy and satisfaction that came from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

By the time our Labas was ready, I felt as though I had been transported to a different time and place, where the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal held a deep and profound significance. As Katerina ladled steaming bowls of Labas into plates and set them on the table, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment swell within me.

The first spoonful of Lithuanian Labas touched my lips, and I was immediately transported to a world of warmth and comfort. The flavors were rich and complex, the meat tender and succulent, the vegetables perfectly cooked and bursting with freshness. I closed my eyes and savored each bite, feeling the love and care that had gone into every step of the cooking process.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our meal and savoring the moment, I knew that I had discovered something truly special. The recipe for Lithuanian Labas was not just a collection of ingredients and instructions, but a living testament to the power of food to nourish the body and soul, to connect us to our past and to each other.

And so, as I left Katerina's home that day, I carried with me not just a piece of paper with a recipe written on it, but a deeper understanding of the importance of tradition, of family, and of the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. The recipe for Lithuanian Labas had become a part of me, a treasure to be cherished and passed down through the generations, just as Katerina had done for me.