If you’re looking for a dish that brings the perfect burst of freshness and a touch of savory comfort to your Thanksgiving table, the Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe is your soon-to-be favorite side. Sweet pears, salty pancetta, and tender peas come together in a beautiful harmony that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Unique flavor combination: The sweet juiciness of pear paired with crispy pancetta elevates these peas beyond the ordinary.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a hassle-free addition to any holiday meal.
Colorful and festive: Bright green peas and golden pancetta with vibrant pear pieces add a pop of color to your spread.
Versatile enjoyment: Perfect as a Thanksgiving side or even as a flavorful component for breakfast with eggs.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each item contributes in its own special way — the pancetta adds savory richness, pears bring a crisp sweetness, and peas provide a tender pop of green freshness. Shallots offer subtle sweetness and depth, while lemon juice brightens everything up with a zesty finish.
- Pancetta: Look for diced pancetta or cut it yourself; it crisps wonderfully and adds irresistible saltiness.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots cook down gently to lend a sweet onion flavor that balances the recipe.
- Frozen peas: Easily available and ensure bright color and sweetness; no need to thaw before cooking.
- Pear: Choose a firm yet ripe pear for crispness and subtle floral notes.
- Lemon: Zest and juice add essential brightness that lifts the rich and sweet flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herby finish that ties the dish together beautifully.
How to Make Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pear
Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing the pear into small pieces. Toss these pears with fresh lemon juice right away — this keeps them from browning and adds a bright citrus tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Pancetta
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta. Cook it until golden brown and crispy—this step releases flavorful fat that will cook the shallots and peas later. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels while you drain off excess fat, leaving about three tablespoons in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Stir in Mustard
Into the pancetta fat, add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté them for about a minute until softened and fragrant. Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, which adds a subtle tang and depth that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Add Peas and Pears
Next, stir in the frozen peas along with the prepared diced pears. Cook everything together for about five minutes, stirring gently to warm and combine the flavors without smashing the peas or pears.
Step 5: Finish with Pancetta, Parsley, and Pepper
Turn off the heat and fold in half of the reserved pancetta, chopped fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The parsley adds a fresh herbal note, while the pepper gives just a slight kick that wakes up the entire dish.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your peas to a serving bowl, top with the remaining crispy pancetta, and sprinkle the lemon zest over everything for a bright, final flourish. This presentation not only looks stunning but adds layers of texture and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon zest is the star garnish for this recipe—it adds vibrant color and a burst of citrus aroma. A little extra chopped parsley can also be sprinkled on top for an herbal lift and pretty green contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with all your Thanksgiving classics—think roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and a rich gravy. It’s also lovely alongside roasted root vegetables or served with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the peas in individual small bowls or pretty ramekins sprinkled with pancetta and zest on top. You can also toss the peas into a warm grain salad, or even spoon them over morning scrambled eggs for a surprising holiday breakfast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing for best freshness.
Freezing
While peas freeze well, pears may lose some texture after thawing, so freezing this dish isn’t generally recommended if you prefer perfect pear bite. However, if needed, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to keep moisture in. You can also microwave in short bursts until heated through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas work beautifully when in season—just blanch them briefly before adding to the pan to ensure they maintain their bright green color and tender texture.
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What type of pear is best for this recipe?
Look for firm yet ripe varieties like Bartlett or Anjou that hold their shape during cooking, offering a nice balance of sweetness and texture.
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Can I substitute pancetta with bacon?
Bacon can be used as a substitute if needed. Keep in mind it’s typically smokier and less salty than pancetta, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
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Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian option?
To make it vegetarian, skip the pancetta and add toasted nuts or sautéed mushrooms for savory depth and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe is such a delightful way to brighten your holiday table with freshness, color, and irresistible flavor. It’s easy to make, a crowd-pleaser, and brings a special touch to any meal. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every vibrant, savory bite as much as I do—happy cooking!
Print
Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish combining sweet peas and pear with savory pancetta, accented by shallots, lemon, and parsley for a fresh, balanced taste perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
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
Main Ingredients
- 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 the diced pear into a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside to marinate.
- Cook the Pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess rendered fat from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons to cook the shallots.
- Sauté Shallots: Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until softened and fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, blending it into the shallots and fat evenly.
- Add Peas and Pears: Add the frozen peas and the marinated diced pear along with the lemon juice to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and tender, but still bright green.
- Combine and Season: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cooked pancetta, the chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta and garnish with the lemon zest for a burst of citrus aroma and color.
Notes
- If available, purchase pre-diced pancetta to save preparation time. This recipe typically uses two 4-ounce packages.
- This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving gatherings. Easily double the recipe with a larger skillet or pan to serve more guests.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil or use the microwave to warm through.
- Leftovers are versatile: enjoy them as a side, for lunch or dinner, or serve with fried, poached, or scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast option.
