Bosnian-style Pea Cushion

Ingredients

In the original Argentinian dish, Colchón de arvejas, the peas are typically cooked with ham or bacon, giving it a smoky flavor. However, in this Bosnian adaptation, we replace the ham or bacon with a savory mixture of ground meat, onions, and herbs, adding a Bosnian touch to the dish. Additionally, the traditional Argentinian spices are substituted with Bosnian spices, such as paprika and cumin, to enhance the flavors according to the target cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Colchón de arvejas, so you can check it out.

• 500g (2 cups) peas 500g (2 cups) peas
• 250g (9 oz) ground beef 250g (9 oz) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Yogurt or sour cream (for serving) Yogurt or sour cream (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the peas and broth to the pan, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Bosnian-style Pea Cushion hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and accompanied by a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peas — If using frozen peas, make sure to thaw them before cooking.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Paprika — Choose a high-quality paprika for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dish.
• Serve the Bosnian-style Pea Cushion with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs or spices.

Serving advice

Serve the Bosnian-style Pea Cushion as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep plate or bowl to showcase the layers of flavors.