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Pučálka – Czech humble Lenten meal
Pučálka is a traditional Czech dish closely tied to the season of Lent. Made from sprouted peas fried to crispy perfection, it offers a delightful crunch with every bite.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
3 d
Total Time
3 d 15 mins
Servings: 4 portions
Calories: 195 kcal
Course:
Snacks
Cuisine:
Czech
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried whole peas suitable for sprouting
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (or lard)
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- DAY 1: Carefully sort through 1 cup dried whole peas, removing any dirt, debris, or shriveled ones. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water using a sieve. Transfer the peas to a jar, cover them with cold water until the water level is about three times their height, and let them soak overnight at room temperature.
- DAY 2: In the morning, drain any unabsorbed water, rinse the peas with cold water, and return them to the jar. Cover the jar with a piece of canvas and let the peas rest until the evening. In the evening, rinse them again with clean water, drain, and return them to the jar.
- DAY 3: By now, tiny sprouts should start to appear. Repeat the rinsing process from Day 2—rinse in the morning and evening, drain, and return the peas to the jar. Leave the jar with the peas on the kitchen counter near a source of natural light. Continue this routine until you are ready to fry the peas.
- FRYING: On the third or fourth day, once the peas are fully sprouted, they are ready to fry. Heat 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat, add the rinsed and drained sprouted peas, and fry for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are crisp on the outside. Season with 1 ½ teaspoon salt to taste, mix well, and serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- The basic recipe makes about 4 portions.
- Pučálka is best served warm, right after frying, as it tends to lose its crispiness and becomes harder as it cools. It is not suitable for freezing.
- Fun fact: Pučálka is always eaten with a spoon! It is a sure sign of a true connoisseur who knows and appreciates this traditional dish.
- If you fry the sprouted peas in vegetable oil, such as sunflower or canola oil, Pučálka becomes an excellent example of a traditional Czech vegan dish—completely free of gluten, lactose, and eggs!
Nutrition Information
Calories
195kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
12g
(24%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
8mg
(3%)
Sodium
880mg
(37%)
Potassium
491mg
(14%)
Fiber
13g
(52%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
162IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
29mg
(3%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4portions
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 195kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 880mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 491mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 13g | 52% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 162IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.