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Teresa's Recipes Rizi Bizi - Croatian Rice and Peas

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 tra

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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.

Serves 4

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.

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.

Dietary Information

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

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