Thanksgiving Peas with Pancetta, Pears, and Lemon Zest Recipe
This Thanksgiving Peas recipe combines sweet pears, savory pancetta, and fresh peas with a tangy lemon-mustard dressing. It’s a flavorful and colorful side dish perfect for the holiday table or any meal, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 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 prevent browning. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the shallots: Add the sliced shallots to the skillet with the reserved pancetta fat. Cook for about 1 minute until softened, then stir in the Dijon mustard to combine.
- Add the peas and pears: Stir in the frozen peas and prepared pears. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Add half of the cooked pancetta back into the pan along with the chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining pancetta and garnish with lemon zest for brightness and visual appeal.
Notes
- If available, use pre-diced pancetta to save time.
- This recipe serves about 6 people but can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil or microwave.
- Delicious served as a side dish or with eggs for breakfast.
Keywords: Thanksgiving side dish, peas and pancetta, holiday vegetable side, easy Thanksgiving recipe, savory peas with fruit
