Thanksgiving Peas Recipe
A flavorful Thanksgiving side dish featuring sweet peas cooked with crispy pancetta, tender shallots, fresh pear, and zesty lemon, finished with parsley and Dijon mustard for a vibrant and savory complement to any holiday meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ pound pancetta, cut into small dice
- 3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 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 brightness. Set aside.
- Cook the Pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Drain off some of the rendered fat from the pan, leaving about 3 tablespoons for cooking.
- Cook the Shallots: Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet with the reserved pancetta fat and cook for about a minute until softened but not browned. Stir in the Dijon mustard to coat the shallots and develop flavor.
- Add the Peas and Pears: Add the frozen peas and prepared pear dice to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes to heat everything through and combine the flavors, while keeping the peas tender yet vibrant.
- Combine Pancetta and Parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cooked pancetta, the chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked peas to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta pieces and garnish with lemon zest for a fresh and colorful finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas; if using fresh, blanch them first for best texture.
- Pear can be substituted with apple for a different but complementary sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of pancetta depending on preference for saltiness and richness.
- For a vegetarian option, omit pancetta and add toasted nuts or mushrooms for texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken for a classic Thanksgiving meal.
Keywords: Thanksgiving side dish, peas, pancetta, shallots, pear, lemon zest, holiday recipes
Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/thanksgiving-peas-recipe/
