Ajdovi Cmoki z Grahom in Slanino (Buckwheat Dumplings with Peas and Bacon)
Hearty and rustic buckwheat dumplings, often served with a savory mixture of peas and crispy bacon. This dish is a comforting staple, showcasing the use of buckwheat, a common grain in Slovenian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Buckwheat flour
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg
- 100-120 ml Water(as needed)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 150 g Bacon(diced)
- 200 g Peas(fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 20 g Butter
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Using a mix of flours gives a good texture. - 2
Add the egg and gradually add water, mixing until a firm but pliable dough forms. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: The amount of water may vary depending on the flour's absorbency. - 3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water is vigorously boiling to cook the dumplings evenly. - 4
Using two spoons or wet hands, form small dumplings (cmoki) from the dough and drop them into the boiling water.
💡 Tip: Keep the dumplings relatively small for quicker cooking. - 5
Cook the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
⏱️ 12 minutes💡 Tip: Test one dumpling to ensure it's cooked through. - 6
While the dumplings cook, fry the diced bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
💡 Tip: Reserve the bacon fat for sautéing the vegetables. - 7
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and translucent.
💡 Tip: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning. - 8
Add the peas to the pan with the onions and cook for a few minutes until tender. If using frozen peas, they will cook quickly.
💡 Tip: Don't overcook the peas; they should remain bright green. - 9
Add the cooked dumplings and crispy bacon back into the pan with the peas and onions. Add the butter and toss gently to combine and warm through.
💡 Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking the dumplings. - 10
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can be a nice addition.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Buckwheat flour can be quite absorbent, so adjust water as needed.
- ✓The texture of the dumplings should be slightly chewy.
- ✓This dish is often served as a main course or a substantial side dish.
- ✓For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and sauté vegetables in butter or oil.
🔄 Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the pea and bacon mixture.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or a dollop of cottage cheese.
- Incorporate other herbs like chives or dill for added flavor.