Teresa's Recipes
Rizi Bizi - Croatian Rice and Peas
Rizi Bizi is a cherished Croatian dish that brings together the comforting flavors of rice, sweet peas, and crispy bacon. This dish is a staple of traditional home cooking, evoking memories of family gatherings and rustic dinners. The savory aroma of sautéed garlic and onion melds beautifully with the smoky bacon, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also a heartwarming reminder of Croatian culinary heritage. Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables, Rizi Bizi is sure to be a hit at your dining table, inviting everyone to savor its delightful simplicity.
Ingredients
- 6 slices, chopped Bacon
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup, long-grain or medium-grain Rice
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- You can also enhance the dish by adding grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a creamy texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it altogether, and use vegetable broth instead.