Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday feast! Combining sweet pears, crispy pancetta, and vibrant green peas, this dish brings a unique twist to traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. The subtle lemony flavor from Dijon mustard enhances the overall taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for various occasions. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these Thanksgiving peas will surely impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking.
• Flavorful Combination: The pairing of sweet pears and savory pancetta creates a delicious blend that will elevate your meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: These peas can complement any main dish, from turkey to ham, making them a versatile side.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish visually appealing on your Thanksgiving table.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins from the peas and fresh parsley, this dish adds nutritional value to your festive spread.

Tools and Preparation

To make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation effortless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for cooking pancetta evenly, ensuring it becomes crisp without burning.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked pancetta without excess grease, keeping your dish light.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping pear and shallots efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Pancetta

• ½ pound pancetta (cut into small dice)

For the Vegetables

• 3 medium shallots (halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup thinly sliced))
• 16 ounces frozen peas
• 1 pear

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest))
• ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

How to Make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

Step 1: Prep the Pear

1. Peel the pear, slice it in half, then small dice it.
2. Place the diced pear in a small bowl and stir with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pancetta

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

1. In the same skillet, add sliced shallots.
2. Cook for about one minute until softened.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

1. Add frozen peas and diced pears to the skillet.
2. Stir everything together for about five minutes until peas are warmed through.

Step 5: Stir in Pancetta and Parsley

1. Turn off the heat.
2. Gently fold in half of the cooked pancetta, chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl.
2. Top with remaining pancetta pieces and garnish with lemon zest before serving.

Enjoy these flavorful Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) as part of your holiday celebration!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) is a delightful side dish that can elevate your holiday meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Pair with Roasted Turkey

• Roasted turkey complements the savory flavors of peas and pancetta, making it a classic choice for Thanksgiving.

Add a Side of Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting texture that pairs well with the crunchy pancetta and sweet pears.

Include Cranberry Sauce

• The tartness of cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peas, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Serve with Stuffing

• Traditional stuffing brings additional herbs and spices, creating a delicious harmony alongside the Thanksgiving peas.

Accompany with Green Bean Casserole

• The creamy texture and crispy onions in green bean casserole create a festive touch that complements the peas beautifully.

Offer Dinner Rolls

• Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any remaining juices on your plate, making every bite enjoyable.

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How to Perfect Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

To ensure your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) turn out flawlessly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and ripe pears will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
• Cook pancetta until crispy: Ensure your pancetta is golden brown for that perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft peas.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving! You may want to add more black pepper or lemon juice for extra zing.
• Garnish creatively: Adding fresh parsley not only boosts flavor but also adds a vibrant color to your dish.
• Serve warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, so serve it right after cooking for maximum freshness.
• Make ahead: You can prepare elements in advance; just reheat gently before serving to save time on Thanksgiving day.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complete your feast:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts offer a slightly bitter contrast, enhancing the sweetness of pears.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole: Creamy sweet potato topped with marshmallows creates a delightful sweetness that balances savory dishes.
3. Buttery Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brings a burst of sweetness that works well alongside rich flavors like pancetta.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of carrots glazed in honey adds another layer of flavor to your meal.
5. Classic Waldorf Salad: A refreshing salad featuring apples, grapes, and walnuts provides crunch and freshness to counterbalance richer dishes.
6. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: This comforting favorite offers creaminess that pairs nicely with the texture of peas and crispy pancetta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks experience challenges when preparing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta). Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the prep: Not preparing your ingredients ahead of time can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Always chop and measure everything before you start cooking.
• Overcooking the pancetta: Cooking pancetta too long can make it tough and chewy. Cook until golden brown but still tender for the best texture.
• Using fresh peas: While fresh peas are delicious, they often require longer cooking time, losing the quick convenience of frozen peas. Stick with frozen for this recipe.
• Ignoring seasoning: Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning. Taste your dish before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed for flavor enhancement.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping the lemon zest or parsley can leave your dish looking bland. These garnishes add a pop of color and freshness that enhances presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) in an airtight container.
• They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store portions.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What type of pear is best for this recipe?

A ripe Bosc or Anjou pear works well. They maintain their shape while adding sweetness.

How do I customize Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)?

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch, or substitute bacon if pancetta isn’t available.

Are there any substitutions for pancetta?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try bacon or turkey bacon as a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) is a delightful side dish that brings together the savory taste of pancetta with the sweet touch of pears. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile—feel free to customize it with nuts or different herbs. Give it a try at your next holiday gathering; it’s sure to impress!