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Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

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4.3 from 75 reviews

This popular Thanksgiving side dish combines sweet frozen peas, crispy pancetta, and juicy pears with a bright, lemony Dijon mustard dressing. It’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, perfect for adding a savory and festive touch to your holiday meal.

Ingredients

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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

  1. Prep the pear: Peel, slice, and small dice the pear. Place it in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pan and discard the rest.
  3. Add the shallots: Add the thinly sliced shallots to the pan with the rendered pancetta fat. Cook for about one minute until softened, then stir in the Dijon mustard to combine the flavors.
  4. Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and diced pears to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and pears are tender but not mushy.
  5. Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the reserved crispy pancetta, the roughly chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Transfer the peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining pancetta and garnish with the lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Using pre-diced pancetta cuts down prep time significantly—two 4-ounce packages work perfectly.
  • This recipe serves 6 people but can easily be doubled in a larger pan for holiday gatherings.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil or in the microwave.
  • Try enjoying leftovers for breakfast by topping with a fried or poached egg or mixing into scrambled eggs.

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