Warm Sour Cream Sauce With Bacon (Lithuanian Bacon Sauce)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Lithuanian cuisine with this savory delight: Lithuanian Sour Cream Sauce with Bacon. Also known as Lithuanian bacon sauce, this warm sour cream sauce is a staple in Lithuanian kitchens, traditionally served with potato dishes like Kugelis and Cepelinai. However, its versatility extends to pasta, pork chops, and more. Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients including smoked bacon, onions, and sour cream, this creamy sauce is sure to elevate any meal with its irresistible taste and creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
- 100 g smoked bacon or Pancetta cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 brown onion thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped (optional)
- ΒΌ teaspoon salt
- 150 g creme fraiche or sour cream full-fat
- a pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Cut your bacon into small pieces (if you're using lardons or pancetta, cut them into cubes). Add them to a large non-stick frying pan and fry the bacon over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon onto a small plate, lined with paper towels. Keep any fat in the pan.
- If your pan is dry (which may happen if you used very lean bacon), add some oil or butter and set it over medium-low heat.
- Add the onions and salt, and saute for approximately 15 minutes, until the onions are very soft, but don't let them brown too much. If you're using garlic, add finely chopped garlic for the last couple of minutes of cooking.
- When ready to serve, add the sour cream and bacon to the pan and stir over low heat until combined and warmed through. Loosen the sour cream sauce with 2-3 tablespoons of water, and leave the sauce to warm through. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Spoon the sauce over your favourite Lithuanian potato dishes!