Peas and bacon

In the Piacenza area, peas and bacon are served as a second course; but they can also be used to flavor pasta ( like maltagliati or pennette) or be served as a side dish either warm or cold. The original recipe calls for fresh peas but canned or frozen peas can be used as they are quicker and easier to prepare

INGREDIENTS FOR 4 PERSONS

600 grams peas
Salt
Pepper
2 Fresh onions
Nutmeg
100 grams smoked bacon
50 grams extra virgin olive oil

PREPARATION 30 MINUTES

DIFFICULTY LOW

PREPARATION

Peas and bacon are a quick, easy dish to prepare and this recipe belongs to the ancient Piacenza tradition. A quick recipe does not mean it is not tasty: quite the contrary, peas with onion and bacon make this dish tasty and suitable for both adults and children.

Start with 2 fresh onions which must be cleaned and cut in small cubes. The same must be done with bacon (bacon already cut in cubes can also be used).

Heat a pot of moderately salted water.

In another pan, add enough olive oil to cover the bottom and then add onion and bacon. Keep the flame low and slowly brown making sure not to burn.

Once the bacon and onion have properly browned, add the peas.

Add and stir in  the heated water and  cook slowly. Place a cover on the pan but leave space for vapor to come out. If necessary, add water if the peas tend to dry during the cooking.

Once the peas are ready (the amount of time depends on whether the peas are fresh, frozen or canned)  add salt and nutmeg. The dish is ready, simple but a guaranteed success.

We suggest you match this typical Piacenza dish with a wine of the area: our Gutturnio Frizzante DOC Podere Casale.