Easy Thanksgiving Peas with Pancetta and Pear
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These Thanksgiving peas are a delicious way to turn simple green peas into a flavorful holiday side dish. Made with crispy pancetta, sweet diced pears, tender shallots, and a touch of lemon and Dijon mustard, this easy recipe has the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Everything cooks in one skillet and is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a busy Thanksgiving dinner. The peas are tender, the pancetta adds a delicious crunch, and the pears bring a little sweetness to every bite. This easy Thanksgiving side dish is sure to be a hit at your holiday table.
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Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Peas
- Delicious Sweet And Savory Flavor – The combination of crispy pancetta and sweet pears makes these Thanksgiving Peas extra delicious. The pancetta adds a salty, savory taste that goes perfectly with the sweetness of the pears. Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice give the dish a bright, tangy flavor. Every bite is packed with delicious flavors that go so well together.
- Quick And Easy To Make – This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking. You only need a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work. Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is easy too. It’s a great way to make a tasty Thanksgiving side dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Perfect For Thanksgiving Dinner – These colorful green peas look beautiful on your holiday table. The sweet pears and crispy pancetta make this dish feel extra special for Thanksgiving. It’s a delicious change from the usual holiday vegetable side dishes. Your family and guests will love having something different to enjoy with their Thanksgiving meal.
- Made With Simple Ingredients – You don’t need anything complicated to make this flavorful side dish. Frozen peas work perfectly, so there’s no need to worry about finding fresh peas. The shallots, Dijon mustard, lemon, and parsley add plenty of flavor without much effort. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can turn ordinary peas into something so delicious.
- Easy To Customize – You can easily adjust this recipe depending on what you have in your kitchen. Bacon makes a delicious substitute if you don’t have pancetta. You can also use diced apples instead of pears for a slightly different sweet flavor. This makes it a flexible side dish that’s easy to prepare for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients For Thanksgiving Peas
- Pancetta – Adds a delicious salty and savory flavor to the peas. It becomes crispy when cooked, giving the dish a wonderful crunch.
- Shallots – These mild onions add a slightly sweet flavor that goes perfectly with the peas and pancetta.
- Dijon Mustard – Gives the dish a little tangy flavor and helps bring all the ingredients together.
- Frozen Peas – The main ingredient in this recipe! Frozen peas are convenient, cook quickly, and add a beautiful green color to this holiday side dish.
- Pear – Adds natural sweetness that balances the salty pancetta. The diced pear also gives the dish a delicious fruity flavor.
- Lemon – Both the juice and zest add a fresh, bright flavor. The lemon juice also helps keep the diced pear from turning brown.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a fresh herbal flavor and a pop of green color to the finished dish.
- Black Pepper – Adds a little extra seasoning and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roast turkey or boneless turkey breast for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
- Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
- Add to your holiday spread with homemade green bean casserole and sweet cranberry sauce.
- Enjoy alongside roasted prime rib or roasted salmon for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with crispy pancetta and fresh lemon zest before serving.
Tips For Success
- Use Frozen Peas – No need to thaw them first! Add them straight to the skillet for quick and easy cooking.
- Crisp The Pancetta – Cook until golden brown and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
- Save The Pancetta Fat – Leave about 3 tablespoons in the skillet to add extra flavor to the peas.
- Dice The Pear Evenly – Cut the pear into small pieces so it cooks evenly and mixes well with the peas.
- Add Lemon Juice – Toss the diced pear with lemon juice to prevent browning and add freshness.
- Don’t Overcook The Peas – Cook just until heated through to keep them tender and bright green.
- Slice Shallots Thinly – Thin slices soften quickly and blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Add Parsley Last – Stir in fresh parsley after cooking to keep its flavor and color.
- Save Pancetta For Topping – Sprinkle the remaining crispy pancetta on top just before serving.
- Serve Warm – Enjoy these Thanksgiving Peas fresh from the skillet for the best taste and texture.
Variations And Substitutions
- Use Bacon Instead Of Pancetta – Bacon is a delicious substitute that adds a salty, smoky flavor. Chop it into small pieces and cook until crispy.
- Try Prosciutto – Prosciutto adds a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet pears. Cut it into small pieces and cook until lightly crispy.
- Swap Pears For Apples – Diced apples add a delicious sweetness and slight tartness. Choose a firm apple that holds its shape while cooking.
- Make It Vegetarian – Replace the pancetta with finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté them in olive oil until tender and lightly browned.
- Use Fresh Peas – Fresh peas work just as well as frozen peas. Simply adjust the cooking time until they’re tender and heated through.
- Substitute The Shallots – Use finely chopped yellow onion if you don’t have shallots. Cook until softened before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Try Different Fresh Herbs – Swap parsley for fresh basil, tarragon, or oregano. Add the herbs at the end for the best flavor.
- Adjust The Dijon Mustard – Use less Dijon mustard for a milder flavor or slightly more for extra tanginess. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Storage And Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftover Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- Reheating In The Microwave – Place the peas in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 30–60 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Reheating On The Stovetop – Warm the peas in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil, stirring until heated through.
- Enjoying Leftovers – Serve leftover peas as a side dish or pair them with fried eggs or scrambled eggs for a delicious breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Peas For Thanksgiving Peas?
Yes, frozen peas are perfect for this recipe because they’re convenient and cook quickly. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the skillet.
Can I Use Fresh Peas Instead Of Frozen Peas?
Yes, fresh peas work just as well as frozen peas in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time until they’re tender and heated through.
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What Can I Substitute For Pancetta?
Bacon is a delicious substitute that adds a smoky, salty flavor. You can also use prosciutto for a similar savory taste.
Can I Make Thanksgiving Peas Without Meat?
Yes, replace the pancetta with finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Sauté them in olive oil until tender and lightly browned.
What Kind Of Pear Should I Use?
Choose a ripe but firm pear that will hold its shape during cooking. Avoid overly soft pears because they can become mushy in the skillet.
Can I Use Apples Instead Of Pears?
Yes, diced apples make a delicious substitute for pears. Choose a firm apple and toss the pieces with lemon juice before cooking.
Why Do I Need To Add Lemon Juice To The Pears?
Lemon juice helps prevent the diced pears from turning brown. It also adds a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the savory pancetta.
How Do I Keep The Pancetta Crispy?
Cook the pancetta over medium heat until golden brown, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Save half for sprinkling over the finished dish.
Do I Need To Add Oil When Cooking Thanksgiving Peas?
No additional oil is needed because the pancetta releases fat as it cooks. Leave about 3 tablespoons of fat in the skillet to cook the remaining ingredients.
Can I Make Thanksgiving Peas Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until needed. Reheat before serving and add crispy pancetta on top for the best texture.
How Long Do Thanksgiving Peas Last In The Refrigerator?
Store leftover Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet until warmed through.
What Can I Serve With Thanksgiving Peas?
These peas pair perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They’re also delicious alongside prime rib or other roasted meats.
Other Easy Pea Recipes
- Creamy Peas And Baby Potatoes
- Air Fryer Peas And Carrots Recipe
- Air Fryer Roasted Green Peas
- Roasted Crunchy Green Peas
- Rice With Green Peas
- Scallop And Green Pea Stir-Fry
- Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry With Peas
Thanksgiving Peas
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Ingredients
- ½ pound pancetta diced into small pieces
- 3 medium shallots thinly sliced, about 1 cup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 16 oz frozen peas
- 1 pear peeled and diced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested, about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest
- ½ cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Peel the pear and chop it into small cubes. Put the pear pieces in a small bowl, add the lemon juice, and mix well. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
- Scoop the cooked pancetta out of the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Carefully pour off the extra grease, keeping about 3 tablespoons of pancetta fat in the skillet.
- Add the sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until they begin to soften. Mix in the Dijon mustard until combined.
- Add the frozen peas and the diced pears along with their lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the peas are completely heated through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add half of the crispy pancetta, the chopped parsley, and the black pepper. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Spoon the peas into a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining crispy pancetta over the top and finish with freshly grated lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute bacon for pancetta or diced apple for pear.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4–5 days and reheat before serving.
