Thanksgiving Pancetta and Pear Peas Recipe

Introduction

Thanksgiving Peas is a delightful side dish that combines sweet peas, savory pancetta, and the fresh brightness of lemon and pear. This flavorful mix is easy to prepare and brings a fresh twist to your holiday table.

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
• 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

1. Step 1: Prep the pear by peeling, slicing, and small dicing it. Place the diced pear in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain off some of the rendered fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced shallots to the pan and cook for about a minute until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
4. Step 4: Add the frozen peas and prepared pears to the pan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat, then stir in half of the cooked pancetta, the chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining pancetta and garnish with lemon zest before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh peas if available for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
• Swap pancetta with bacon for a similar smoky taste.
• Add a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta and increase the amount of shallots and parsley.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to moisten the peas.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pears instead of canned or frozen?

This recipe is best with fresh pears for their natural sweetness and texture. Avoid using canned pears as they can be too soft and sweet.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pancetta?

Bacon is a great substitute for pancetta and will provide a similar smoky flavor. For a meatless option, omit pancetta and add more herbs or nuts for texture.

Thanksgiving Pancetta and Pear Peas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 75 reviews

A flavorful and festive side dish featuring tender peas sautéed with savory pancetta, sweet pears, bright lemon, and fresh parsley. This Thanksgiving peas recipe combines a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, elevated with Dijon mustard and crisp shallots for a perfect holiday accompaniment.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pancetta and Shallots

• 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 Fruits

• 16 ounces frozen peas
• 1 pear, peeled, sliced, and small 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

1. Prep the pear: Peel, slice, and dice the pear into small pieces. Place in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pan and discard the rest.
3. Add the shallots: Add the sliced shallots to the rendered fat in the skillet and cook for about one minute until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard to deglaze and flavor the pan.
4. Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and the prepared diced pears to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the pears are slightly softened.
5. Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cooked pancetta along with the chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine all flavors evenly.
6. Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta and garnish with fresh lemon zest for an added burst of citrus aroma and flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Use fresh peas if in season, adjusting the cooking time accordingly for tenderness.
• Adjust lemon juice and zest according to your preferred level of citrus brightness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta and increase the amount of parsley and lemon zest for freshness.

Keywords: Thanksgiving peas, pancetta peas, holiday side dish, peas with pancetta and pear, lemon peas, festive side dish