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Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta (Easy Side)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta is a beloved holiday side dish featuring a delightful mix of tender frozen peas, crispy pancetta, and sweet diced pears, all brightened with lemon juice and a touch of Dijon mustard. This simple yet elegant recipe combines savory and sweet flavors with fresh parsley and a hint of black pepper, making it a festive and easy-to-make addition to your Thanksgiving table.


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 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

  1. Prep the pear: Peel, slice, and dice the pear into small pieces. Toss the diced pear with lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent browning and set aside.
  2. Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan and drain off the rest.
  3. Add the shallots: Add the sliced shallots to the skillet with the pancetta fat and cook for about 1 minute until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard until well combined.
  4. Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and the lemon-coated diced pears to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the peas are warmed through but still tender.
  5. Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the reserved pancetta, the chopped parsley, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta and garnish with lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Using pre-diced pancetta can save preparation time; two 4-ounce packages work well for this recipe.
  • This recipe serves approximately 6 people, but you can easily double the quantities and use a larger pan for holiday gatherings.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil or in the microwave.
  • Leftovers make a great side dish or can be enjoyed for breakfast mixed with scrambled eggs or topped with a fried or poached egg.