As I prepped for our Thanksgiving feast, my heart sank at the idea of yet another uninspired veggie dish. I wanted something vibrant and exciting, a showstopper for our table! That’s when I stumbled upon this fabulously simple recipe for Thanksgiving Peas with Pancetta and Pear. The savory pancetta adds delightful crunch, while sweet pears lend a fresh twist to traditional peas. Not only is this dish a stunning centerpiece for your festive dinner, but it’s also family-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy holiday kitchens. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they savor each bite of this colorful, savory side! Curious about how to elevate your Thanksgiving table with this delightful dish? Let’s dive in! Why Make Thanksgiving Peas? Vibrant and Colorful: The stunning combination of sweet pears and savory pancetta transforms ordinary peas into a visual feast, perfect for your holiday table. Quick to Prepare: In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful side dish, making it ideal for busy Thanksgiving preparations. Family-Friendly Flavor: With its balanced sweet and salty profile, this recipe is a hit with guests of all ages, leaving everyone craving seconds! Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap pancetta for bacon or use green beans for a seasonal twist, allowing for endless variations to suit your preferences. Impress Your Guests: This dish not only looks beautiful but also tastes incredible, ensuring your Thanksgiving dinner stands out. Try pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal! Thanksgiving Peas Ingredients For the Peas • Frozen Peas – Acts as the base of the dish, offering a pop of color and texture; no thawing needed before cooking. • Pear – Introduces sweetness and freshness to balance the saltiness; an apple can be used in lieu of pear. For the Flavor • Pancetta – Adds salty, savory flavor; substitute with bacon if preferred for a different taste. • Shallots – Provides aromatic sweetness; use onions as an alternative if shallots aren’t on hand (about 1 cup diced). • Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess and depth to the dish; can be substituted with mustard powder if necessary. For the Finish • Lemon – Adds acidity; zested and juiced for brightness; ensure fresh lemon for the best flavor. • Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste for personal preference. • Parsley – Provides freshness and color as a garnish; alternatively, use chives for a different flavor. For the Garnish • Extra Pancetta – Reserved for topping; adds crunch and makes the dish visually appealing alongside the lemon zest. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Peas Step 1: Prepare the Pear Begin by peeling, slicing, and dicing one ripe pear. Toss the diced pear with a splash of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning while you proceed with the rest of the preparation. This simple step not only keeps the pear fresh but also enhances the dish’s overall brightness. Step 2: Cook the Pancetta Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced pancetta. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta becomes crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the pancetta from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the skillet for flavor. Step 3: Sauté the Shallots In the skillet with the reserved pancetta fat, add finely chopped shallots. Sauté over medium heat for approximately 1 minute or until the shallots are softened and fragrant. This step infuses your Thanksgiving Peas with aromatic sweetness, creating a delightful base for the dish. Step 4: Combine the Ingredients Once the shallots are ready, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, mixing well to combine. Next, add the frozen peas and the prepared pear to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the peas are heated through and the pear becomes slightly tender, blending the flavors beautifully. Step 5: Finish the Dish Remove the skillet from the heat and gently mix in half of the crispy pancetta and a handful of chopped parsley for freshness. Transfer the Thanksgiving Peas to a serving bowl, then top with the remaining pancetta and a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness and visual appeal. This final touch makes your festive side dish a true showstopper! How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Peas Fridge: Store your Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. This ensures they stay fresh and ready to enjoy as a quick side at any meal. Freezer: To freeze, let the peas cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Enjoy those Thanksgiving Peas just like fresh! Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Peas Pancetta Perfection: Use thick-cut pancetta for a heartier bite, but cook it just until crisp to avoid an overly fatty taste that might overwhelm the dish. Freshness Matters: Always opt for fresh lemon juice; store-bought can lack the brightness that elevates your Thanksgiving Peas. Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the peas; cooking them for too long can lead to a mushy texture, losing that delightful pop in each bite. Customize Flavors: Experiment with different mustard types or herbs like thyme or sage for a unique twist that suits your family’s taste. Leftover Love: If you have leftover Thanksgiving Peas, store them in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, making a quick side dish for any meal! What to Serve with Thanksgiving Peas with Pancetta and Pear? Elevate your holiday feast with these delightful pairings that will perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of your Thanksgiving Peas. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture and savory flavor of mashed potatoes balance the sweetness of the peas, creating a comforting duo. Honey-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of honey-glazed carrots adds a touch of brightness while harmonizing with the savory pancetta and pears. Roasted Turkey: A succulent roast turkey provides rich flavor and a festive centerpiece alongside the colorful, vibrant peas for an inviting meal. Cranberry Sauce: Its tartness cuts through the richness of the pancetta, providing a delightful contrast to the savory profile of the peas. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: These crispy Brussels sprouts add crunch and a smoky element, enhancing the sumptuous flavors of your Thanksgiving Peas. Savory Stuffing: A hearty stuffing, filled with herbs and spices, complements the peas beautifully, making each bite burst with flavor and warmth. Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, refreshing the palate while highlighting the sweet and savory notes of the dish. Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, classic pumpkin pie adds a hint of spice and sweetness, wrapping up your Thanksgiving meal on a delightful note. Make Ahead Options Thanksgiving Peas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare and refrigerate the cooked peas and pancetta mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply complete steps 1 through 4 and then store everything in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain the dish’s quality, keep the crispy pancetta separate until just before serving to ensure it stays crunchy. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture over medium heat for a few minutes, gently fold in the reserved pancetta and fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving Peas without the last-minute rush! Thanksgiving Peas Variations & Substitutions Customize your Thanksgiving Peas to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs with these delightful variations! Turkey Bacon: Swap pancetta for turkey bacon to cut down on fat while still enjoying a savory crunch. Mustard Variety: Experiment with different types of mustard, like whole grain or spicy brown, for a flavor twist that excites your palate. Green Bean Twist: For a seasonal twist, replace frozen peas with fresh green beans or asparagus; just adjust the cooking time for a perfect bite. Vegan Option: Use sautéed mushrooms in place of pancetta and enhance the dish with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Nutty Crunch: Add toasted almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch, giving your dish a textural boost that adds depth and warmth. Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for a fragrant twist that complements the sweetness of the pears beautifully. Spicy Kick: If you love some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This fiery addition will bring a whole new level of excitement to your dish! Let your creativity shine as you explore these possibilities to make your Thanksgiving Peas a true reflection of your family’s tastes and preferences. Don’t forget to pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted turkey to make your holiday spread unforgettable! Thanksgiving Peas Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best pears for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for firm, ripe pears that yield slightly to pressure at the stem. They should have vibrant skin and no dark spots or blemishes. If using green pears, they should be more on the yellowish side for a sweeter taste. How long can I store leftover Thanksgiving Peas? Very! Store your Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure they are allowed to cool down before sealing to maintain freshness. Can I freeze Thanksgiving Peas? Yes, you can! First, allow the Thanksgiving Peas to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. What’s the best way to reheat Thanksgiving Peas? Reheating is straightforward! For the best results, warm the peas in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Definitely! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute pancetta with turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or try a vegetarian bacon substitute. You can also replace the pears with apples if there are allergies, as they provide a similar sweetness without compromising flavor. What should I do if my peas turn mushy when cooking? Oh no! To avoid this, only cook the peas until they are just heated through, typically about 5 minutes. If they’re frozen, they should retain a nice pop. If they do get mushy, fear not—add some crispy pancetta and serve them as a creamy puree instead for a different dish! Thanksgiving Peas: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Side Dish Thanksgiving Peas are a vibrant side dish featuring sweet pears and savory pancetta, perfect for your holiday table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Peas16 oz Frozen Peas No thawing needed before cooking.1 Pear Can substitute with an apple.For the Flavor4 oz Pancetta Can substitute with bacon.1 cup Shallots Can substitute with onions.1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Can substitute with mustard powder.For the Finish1 Lemon Zested and juiced.to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper2 tbsp Parsley Can substitute with chives.For the Garnish2 oz Extra Pancetta Reserved for topping. Equipment large skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving PeasPrepare the pear by peeling, slicing, and dicing it. Toss with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.Sauté chopped shallots in the pancetta fat for 1 minute until softened.Stir in Dijon mustard, then add frozen peas and prepared pear. Cook for 5 minutes until peas are heated through.Finish by mixing in half of the crispy pancetta and parsley. Serve topped with remaining pancetta and lemon zest. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesUse thick-cut pancetta for best results. Always use fresh lemon juice for better flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
