Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe
A delicious and festive side dish perfect for Thanksgiving, combining sweet pears, savory pancetta, and fresh peas with a hint of lemon and parsley. This quick stovetop recipe brings together vibrant flavors and textures in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal accompaniment for your holiday feast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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 dice the pear into small pieces. Place them in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to keep the pears fresh and add a bright citrus flavor. Set aside.
- Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pan for cooking the rest of the ingredients.
- Add the shallots: Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet with the pancetta fat. Cook for about one minute until the shallots soften. Stir in the Dijon mustard to infuse the mixture with a subtle tangy flavor.
- Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and the prepared pears to the pan. Stir gently for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and tender and the pears have slightly softened, blending the sweet and savory elements.
- Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cooked pancetta, the chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will infuse the dish with herbaceous brightness and a peppery kick.
- Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining pancetta for added texture and garnish with the lemon zest for a fresh citrus aroma and flavor. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the pancetta.
- Frozen peas are most convenient, but fresh peas can be used when in season for a sweeter taste.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to taste, considering the saltiness of the pancetta.
- For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta and substitute with smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for depth.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Thanksgiving side dish, peas with pancetta, pear recipe, holiday peas, savory peas, easy side dish, quick stovetop recipe