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Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe

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4.4 from 11 reviews

Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta is a popular and festive American side dish perfect for your holiday table. It features a delightful combination of crispy pancetta, sweet pears, and tender peas flavored subtly with lemon and Dijon mustard. This simple yet flavorful dish is easy to prepare and adds a savory, slightly sweet touch to any Thanksgiving meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pancetta and Aromatics

  • 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 Fruit

  • 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

Seasoning

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the pear: Peel, slice, and dice the pear into small pieces. Place the diced pear in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside to marinate.
  2. Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Discard some of the rendered fat from the pan, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the skillet for cooking the shallots.
  3. Add the shallots and mustard: Add the sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard to combine.
  4. Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and prepared pear with lemon juice to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are fully warmed through and the flavors meld.
  5. Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the reserved pancetta, chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta and garnish with lemon zest for a bright finish. Serve immediately as a delicious, festive side dish.

Notes

  • Using pre-diced pancetta can save preparation time; two 4-ounce packages are ideal for this recipe.
  • This recipe yields about 6 servings but can be easily doubled in a larger pan for holiday gatherings.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
  • Reheat gently in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil or in the microwave.
  • Leftover peas are excellent as a side for lunch or dinner, and delicious when paired with a fried or poached egg for breakfast or added to scrambled eggs.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/thanksgiving-peas-with-pear-and-pancetta-recipe/