🧑‍🍳RecipesQuick Latvian Recipes

Latvian cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Baltic and Nordic flavors, with a touch of Russian influence. It's a cuisine that is not as well-known as some of its European counterparts, but it's definitely worth exploring. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some quick and easy Latvian recipes that you can make at home.

1. Latvian Bacon Buns

Bacon buns, or speķa pīrāgi, are a staple in Latvian cuisine. These savory pastries are made with a yeasted dough and filled with a mixture of bacon, onions, and sour cream. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.

5. In a pan, cook the bacon and onion until the bacon is crispy and the onion is translucent.

6. Add the sour cream to the bacon mixture and stir until combined.

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

8. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.

9. Add a spoonful of the bacon mixture to each circle.

10. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.

11. Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.

12. Latvian Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes, or kartupeļu pankūkas, are a simple and delicious Latvian dish. They are made with grated potatoes, flour, and eggs, and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion.

2. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil.

5. Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

6. Drain the pancakes on paper towels to remove excess oil.

7. Latvian Cold Beet Soup

Cold beet soup, or aukstā biešu zupa, is a refreshing summer soup that is perfect for hot days. It's made with beets, cucumbers, and sour cream, and can be served as a starter or a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large beets, peeled and grated
• 2 cucumbers, peeled and grated
• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated beets and cucumbers.
2. Add the yogurt, sour cream, and dill. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

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