Pea Pats

Pea Pats Recipe from Latvia - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pea Pats are a traditional dish made with gray peas, potatoes, smoked bacon, and hemp. These delicious round balls are a popular comfort food in many Eastern European countries.

History

Pea Pats have been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. They were originally created as a way to use up leftover peas and potatoes, and have since become a beloved dish enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

200 g gray peas
100 g potatoes
1 onion
25 g smoked bacon
50 g hemp
salt

How to prepare

Boil the soaked peas until they are soft. Then mince the peas together with the boiled potatoes. Cut the smoked bacon into cubes and fry them together with the chopped onion. Add some salt to the minced peas and prepare the smoked bacon and hemp. Knead and roll the mixture into round balls with your hands. Dry them and place them in a pottery dish. You can serve them with kefir or buttermilk.

Variations

Add herbs and spices to the mixture for extra flavor.
Use different types of peas or beans for a unique twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the peas before boiling them to ensure they cook evenly and become soft.

- When mincing the peas and potatoes, make sure to mix them well to create a smooth texture.

- Frying the smoked bacon and onion adds a rich flavor to the dish.

- Rolling the mixture into round balls can be a messy process, but the end result is worth it.

Serving Suggestions

Pea Pats can be served with kefir or buttermilk for a traditional Eastern European meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, mincing, frying, and rolling are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the gray peas with green peas or lentils if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture for Pea Pats ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pea Pats on a decorative platter with a dollop of sour cream on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pea Pats pair well with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pea Pats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pea Pats contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Pea Pats are a good source of carbohydrates, with the gray peas and potatoes providing energy for your body.

Fats

The smoked bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish and provides a good amount of fats.

Proteins

The hemp in Pea Pats adds a boost of protein, making this dish a well-rounded meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Pea Pats are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Pea Pats contain gluten from the potatoes, so they may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Pea Pats are a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.

Summary

Pea Pats are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a rich history and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Pea Pats. It was during a visit to my dear friend Margaret's house many years ago. Margaret was known for her delicious and unique recipes, and on that particular day, she had just finished making a batch of Pea Pats.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was immediately hit with the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. Margaret was busily shaping the pea mixture into patties and frying them in a skillet. The sizzling sound and the golden brown color of the patties were so enticing that I couldn't wait to try them.

I asked Margaret where she learned to make Pea Pats, and she told me that the recipe had been passed down from her grandmother. She explained that it was a traditional dish in her family, and that she had been making it for years. Margaret graciously offered to teach me how to make Pea Pats, and I eagerly accepted.

We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, with Margaret guiding me through each step of the recipe. She showed me how to cook the peas until they were tender, and then mash them into a paste. She added breadcrumbs, chopped onions, garlic, and a blend of spices to the mixture, shaping them into small patties before frying them until they were crispy and golden.

As we cooked together, Margaret shared stories of her childhood and the memories she had of making Pea Pats with her grandmother. She spoke of how her grandmother would always let her help in the kitchen, teaching her the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with love.

By the time we had finished cooking, the kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of Pea Pats. Margaret and I sat down to enjoy a plateful of the crispy patties, served with a side of tangy mint chutney. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine, and I knew that I had to add this recipe to my collection.

From that day on, I made Pea Pats regularly, often serving them as an appetizer at family gatherings and dinner parties. Each time I made them, I would think of Margaret and the special bond we shared over a love of cooking and delicious food.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe for Pea Pats, adding my own twist with different herbs and spices. I even passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, ensuring that the tradition would live on for generations to come.

The recipe for Pea Pats holds a special place in my heart, not only for its delicious taste but also for the memories of friendship and camaraderie that it brings. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing food with loved ones, and I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this wonderful dish.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that day in Margaret's kitchen, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Pea Pats may have originated from her family, but it has now become a cherished part of mine. And as I continue to cook and share this dish with others, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.