Thanksgiving Peas
A flavorful Thanksgiving side dish featuring tender peas sautéed with savory pancetta, sweet pears, shallots, and a bright lemon-parsley finish that brings freshness and depth to your holiday table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pancetta and Shallot Mixture
- ½ pound pancetta, cut into small dice
- 3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- 1 pear, peeled, sliced, and small diced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
- ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the pear: Peel, slice, and small dice the pear. Place it in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright tangy flavor. Set aside.
- Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Drain off some of the rendered fat from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons for cooking the shallots.
- Add the shallots: To the skillet with reserved fat, add the sliced shallots and cook for about 1 minute until softened and fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard to combine flavors and create a slight tangy base.
- Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and the prepared pear pieces to the skillet. Stir gently for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the pears have softened slightly but retain some texture.
- Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the crispy pancetta, the chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This step infuses the peas and pears with savory pancetta flavor and fresh herb aroma.
- Serve: Transfer the pea mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining pancetta and garnish with lemon zest for a fresh, bright finish that complements the rich pancetta.
Notes
- Using frozen peas makes this dish quick and easy without sacrificing taste.
- Pear adds a subtle sweetness and texture that balances the savory pancetta.
- Reserve some pancetta to sprinkle on top for extra crunchy texture and flavor contrast.
- Adjust black pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
- Serve warm as a delightful Thanksgiving side dish that pairs well with turkey and stuffing.
Keywords: Thanksgiving side dish, peas recipe, pancetta peas, pear and peas, holiday vegetable side
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/thanksgiving-peas/
