Kõrnetud herned
Kõrnetud herned is a traditional Estonian dish of dried peas cooked with barley and often flavored with bacon or pork. It's a hearty and rustic meal, commonly enjoyed during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried green peas(soaked overnight)
- 150 g Pearl barley
- 200 g Smoked bacon(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1.5 l Water or broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked peas and rinse them.
- 2
In a large pot, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the drained peas, rinsed pearl barley, water or broth, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the peas and barley are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Stir in the reserved crispy bacon just before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the peas overnight is crucial for reducing cooking time and improving digestibility.
- ✓You can substitute pork belly or other fatty pork cuts for bacon.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- ✓The consistency should be thick, like a hearty porridge.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped carrots or leeks along with the onion for extra vegetables.
- Some recipes include a bay leaf during cooking for added aroma.