Peas with meat

Peas with Meat – A Traditional Recipe, Full of Flavor and Freshness

If you are looking for a simple and delicious recipe that brings the taste of childhood to your plate, then peas with meat is the perfect choice! This classic dish is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare. Let’s explore together how you can create a savory dish that will delight your taste buds!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 min
Cooking time: 40 min
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (preferably shoulder or neck)
- 1 kg frozen peas
- 2 dried onions
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 200 ml crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or 1-2 tablespoons of dried dill)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onions. Cut the pork into cubes of about 2-3 cm. These sizes will help with even cooking, and the meat will become tender and flavorful.

2. Boiling the peas: In a 3 kg pot, add about 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the frozen peas. Let them boil on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until they become tender. This step will help maintain a pleasant texture at the end.

3. Sautéing the meat: In a skillet, pour in 50 ml of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and cover the skillet. Let the meat sauté for about 5 minutes on one side, then turn it over and let it cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. This process will help seal in the juices of the meat and enhance the flavor.

4. Adding the onion: Once the meat has been sautéed, remove it with a spatula and transfer it to the pot with the peas. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and let it sauté until it becomes translucent and the liquid in the skillet reduces. This step will intensify the flavors and add a sweet note to the dish.

5. Combining the ingredients: Pour the sautéed onion over the peas and meat in the pot. Mix well and let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes. As the dish simmers, the peas will absorb the flavors of the meat and onion, turning every bite into a delicious experience.

6. Adding the tomatoes and spices: After the meat and peas have simmered, add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let everything cook for another 5-7 minutes. The tomatoes not only add a fresh taste but also a vibrant color to the dish.

7. Finishing the dish: Finally, add the chopped fresh dill or, in its absence, dried dill. Dill brings an unmistakable aroma that perfectly complements the dish.

8. Serving: Serve the peas with meat warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread. You can accompany the dish with natural yogurt or a green salad for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the meat: Pork can be substituted with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Also, if you are vegetarian, you can omit the meat completely, and the dish will still be just as tasty!
- Fresh peas: If you have access to fresh peas, don’t hesitate to use them! The taste will be completely different, but it requires a shorter cooking time.
- Spiced version: You can experiment by adding spices like sweet paprika, thyme, or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: The dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated without any problems.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is low in fat and high in protein, thanks to the pork and peas, which are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins. One serving (approximately 250 g) contains about 350-400 calories, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned peas? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use. The cooking time will be shorter.
- What other sides go well with it? Rice or mashed potatoes are excellent sides that can accompany this dish.
- How can I make it spicier? Add a bit of chopped chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking for an extra kick.

This peas with meat recipe is not just a tasty dish, but also an excellent way to enjoy healthy and balanced meals. Try it and discover how you can transform simple ingredients into something truly special! Enjoy your meal!