Description
This Thanksgiving Peas recipe combines the savory crunch of pancetta with the sweetness of pears and the brightness of lemon, creating a delightful side dish that brings a fresh twist to traditional holiday meals. Enhanced with shallots, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pancetta and Aromatics
- ½ pound pancetta, cut into small dice
- 3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Vegetables and Fruit
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- 1 pear, peeled, sliced, and diced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
Herbs and Seasoning
- ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the pear. Peel, slice, and dice the pear into small pieces. Place them in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the pancetta. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan for cooking the shallots.
- Add the shallots. Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for about a minute until they soften. Stir in the Dijon mustard and cook for another 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
- Add the peas and pears. Add the frozen peas and prepared pear pieces to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
- Stir in pancetta and parsley. Turn off the heat, then fold in half of the cooked pancetta, the chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve. Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta and garnish with the lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
- You can substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is unavailable, adjusting salt accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta and use olive oil instead of rendered fat.
- Frozen peas work well in this recipe for convenience, but fresh peas can be used when in season.
- Adjust black pepper quantity to your taste preferences for desired heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving peas, pancetta peas, pear peas, holiday side dish, sautéed peas recipe, easy thanksgiving side
