Pelēkie zirņi – Gray peas

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 500 g peas, grey (nasturtium peas) or brown lentils, dried
• 400 g mushrooms
• 1 large onion(s)
• 150 g soy cream fraîche (crème fraîche alternative) (creme vega)
• 250 ml water
• 2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp paprika powder, smoked
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp oil

Instructions

Working time approx. 10 minutes; Rest time approx. 12 hours; Cooking/baking time approx. 1 hour; Total time approx. 13 hours 10 minutes

a vegan version of the dish from Latvia

Soak the peas in water overnight. This is unnecessary for lentils. Drain the water the next day. Rinse the peas, then cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, simmer over medium heat for about an hour, or until the peas are tender. Meanwhile, finely dice the mushrooms and onions. Sauté the onions in the oil until translucent. Then add the mushrooms and all the seasonings. Sauté until enough water has been released, but a little remains. Deglaze with soy sauce, toss to coat, and then add the water and the crème fraîche. Bring to a boil and, once the peas or lentils are ready, serve with the mushroom sauce.