Rizi Bizi - Croatian Rice and Peas

Ingredients

Bacon

6 slices, chopped

Onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Rice

1 cup, long-grain or medium-grain

Chicken broth

2 cups

Frozen peas

1 cup

Fresh parsley

2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
2. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and aromatic.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and the crispy bacon. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.