Thanksgiving Peas bring a welcome pop of green to a table filled with rich holiday dishes. I love that first spoonful when warm peas meet salty pancetta and little bites of juicy pear. Then the lemon cuts through everything with a fresh spark. It feels festive, but it still tastes simple and familiar.
A quick and colorful Thanksgiving side dish featuring tender peas, crispy pancetta, sweet pear, fresh lemon, Dijon mustard, shallots, and parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving 6, these Thanksgiving peas are an easy stovetop addition to a holiday dinner.
Recipe: Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dish Type: Warm vegetable side dish
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Peas
Ready in Just 30 Minutes
Holiday cooking can crowd both the oven and your schedule. Fortunately, these Thanksgiving Peas need only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Also, frozen peas keep the prep work short. You can focus your attention on the turkey, gravy, and other holiday dishes.
Sweet, Savory, and Fresh Flavors
Pancetta brings a salty, savory bite, while pear adds gentle sweetness. Meanwhile, lemon and parsley give the skillet a fresh finish.
Dijon adds a little tang, too. As a result, every spoonful tastes balanced rather than heavy.
An Easy Stovetop Thanksgiving Side Dish
These Thanksgiving Peas cook completely on the stovetop. Therefore, you can leave valuable oven space open for stuffing, rolls, or roasted dishes.
The skillet method also keeps everything quick. Plus, the crisp pancetta adds great texture against the tender peas.
Thanksgiving Peas Ingredients
Peas, Pear, and Crispy Pancetta
You will need:
- 1/2 pound pancetta, diced small
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- 1 pear
The peas create the tender base, while the pancetta brings crisp, salty richness. Meanwhile, pear adds small bursts of sweetness.
Shallots, Dijon Mustard, Lemon, and Parsley
You will also need:
- 3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced, about 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced, about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Together, these ingredients keep the Thanksgiving Peas bright and lively. In particular, lemon balances the pancetta without covering the sweet flavor of the peas.
How to Make Thanksgiving Peas
Prepare the Pear and Lemon
First, peel and finely dice the pear. Then toss the pieces with the lemon juice and set them aside.
The lemon gives the pear a bright flavor. Plus, you will use the zest later for a fresh finish.
Cook the Pancetta Until Crispy
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until the pieces turn crisp and golden.
Then use a slotted spoon to move the pancetta onto a paper towel lined plate. Leave about 3 tablespoons of pancetta fat in the skillet.
Sauté the Shallots with Dijon Mustard
Next, add the sliced shallots to the skillet. Cook them for about 1 minute, until they soften.
Then stir in the Dijon mustard. The mustard mixes with the warm pancetta fat and creates a tangy, savory coating.
Add the Frozen Peas and Pear
Add the frozen peas directly to the skillet. You do not need to thaw them first.
Then add the lemon coated pear. Cook everything for about 5 minutes while stirring, until the peas turn hot and tender.
Finish with Pancetta, Parsley, and Lemon Zest
Remove the skillet from the heat. Then stir in half of the crispy pancetta, the parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.
Finally, spoon the Thanksgiving Peas into a serving bowl. Scatter the remaining pancetta on top and finish with lemon zest.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Peas
Cook Frozen Peas Without Thawing
Add frozen peas straight from the freezer. This method saves time and helps you avoid overly soft peas.
However, you can use fresh peas when you have them. Simply watch their texture as they cook.
Save Some Pancetta Fat for Flavor
Keep about 3 tablespoons of rendered pancetta fat in the skillet. That amount gives the Thanksgiving Peas plenty of savory flavor without making them overly rich.
Keep the Peas Bright and Tender
Cook the peas only until they heat through. Otherwise, long cooking can soften them too much and dull their bright green color.
Therefore, keep an eye on the skillet during those final minutes.
Use Pre-Diced Pancetta to Save Time
Pre diced pancetta makes holiday prep even easier. Simply open the package and start cooking.
As a result, you can get this side dish onto the table with very little chopping.
Thanksgiving Peas Substitutions and Variations
Substitute Bacon or Prosciutto for Pancetta
You can replace pancetta with bacon or pieces of prosciutto. Both options add a savory, salty flavor.
However, each meat brings its own texture, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
Make Vegetarian Thanksgiving Peas with Mushrooms
For meat free Thanksgiving Peas, finely dice mushrooms and sauté them until browned.
Then continue with the shallots and Dijon. The mushrooms add a deep, savory note that works well with the sweet pear.
Swap the Pear for Apple
Diced apple works nicely when you do not have pear. Choose an apple with a crisp texture so the pieces hold their shape.
Then toss the apple with lemon juice just as you would the pear.
Use Yellow Onion Instead of Shallots
Yellow onion makes an easy shallot substitute. However, chop it finely so it softens quickly and blends into the peas.
Try Different Fresh Herbs
Parsley tastes clean and fresh here. Still, basil, tarragon, or oregano can give the dish a different character.
Start with a modest amount. Then taste and add more if you want a stronger herbal note.
Can You Make Thanksgiving Peas Ahead of Time?
Preparing the Dish Before Thanksgiving Dinner
Yes, you can prepare Thanksgiving Peas ahead of dinner. Cook the recipe, cool it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
However, reheating can soften the peas and reduce some of their bright color. For the freshest look, cook them closer to serving time when your schedule allows.
Reheating Without Overcooking the Peas
Reheat the dish only until warm. In fact, a short reheating time helps the peas keep their tender bite.
Also, consider saving some pancetta for the top so you can add extra crunch just before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Thanksgiving Peas
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Once chilled, the pancetta may soften slightly. Still, the sweet and savory flavors remain tasty together.
Reheating in the Microwave
Place a serving in a microwave safe dish. Then heat it briefly until warm.
Stir between short heating periods so the peas warm evenly without turning mushy.
Reheating on the Stovetop
Alternatively, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium low heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if the pan looks dry.
Then stir gently and remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the peas become hot.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Peas
Thanksgiving Main Dishes
These Thanksgiving Peas fit naturally beside roast turkey, glazed ham, or roast chicken. The lemon and pear taste especially good next to rich holiday meats.
Also, the green color gives a traditional Thanksgiving plate some welcome contrast.
Classic Holiday Side Dish Pairings
Pair the peas with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or warm rolls. Because this recipe cooks on the stovetop, it also works well when your oven already holds several holiday dishes.
Nutrition per serving: 252 calories; 20 g carbohydrates; 10 g protein; 15 g fat; 5 g saturated fat; 3 g polyunsaturated fat; 7 g monounsaturated fat; 0.05 g trans fat; 25 mg cholesterol; 268 mg sodium; 389 mg potassium; 6 g fiber; 9 g sugar; 1,026 IU vitamin A; 49 mg vitamin C; 40 mg calcium; 2 mg iron.
How to Double Thanksgiving Peas for a Crowd
You can double the Thanksgiving Peas recipe for a larger gathering. However, use a skillet large enough to hold the peas without crowding them.
If your skillet feels too full, cook two batches instead. That way, the peas heat evenly and the pear keeps a pleasant texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are classic Thanksgiving side dishes?
Classic choices include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, rolls, and peas. Thanksgiving Peas offer a colorful option with sweet, salty, and fresh flavors.
What can I add to peas for flavor?
You can add pancetta, bacon, shallots, onions, lemon, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, butter, or black pepper. Also, sweet ingredients such as pear or apple pair nicely with peas.
What kind of vegetable are peas?
Peas belong to the legume family. However, cooks commonly prepare green peas like a vegetable and serve them in soups, salads, casseroles, and warm side dishes.
What are some good Thanksgiving menu ideas?
Start with turkey or ham, then add mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, and two or three vegetables. For example, these Thanksgiving Peas add freshness and color without taking up oven space.
More Such Recipes
- Buttery herb stuffing for Thanksgiving
- Creamy Parmesan green beans
- Honey bourbon cranberry sauce
- Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Soft garlic bread rolls for Thanksgiving
- Homemade vegetable soup with peas
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Peas with pear and pancetta give the holiday table something bright, savory, sweet, and fresh. Better yet, they need only one skillet and 30 minutes.
I especially like the contrast between crisp pancetta and tender peas. Meanwhile, the pear and lemon keep each bite lively. When the rest of dinner feels rich and cozy, this simple green side fits right in.
For more everyday holiday and family cooking ideas, you can also follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Facebook.
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Thanksgiving Peas Recipe : Amazing Fresh Holiday Side
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A quick and colorful Thanksgiving side dish featuring tender peas, crispy pancetta, sweet pear, fresh lemon, Dijon mustard, shallots, and parsley. Ready in 30 minutes and serves 6.
Ingredients
1/2 pound pancetta, diced small
3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced, about 1 cup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 ounces frozen peas
1 pear
1 lemon, zested and juiced, about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Peel and finely dice the pear, then toss it with the lemon juice and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the pancetta until crisp and golden. Transfer it to a paper towel lined plate with a slotted spoon, leaving about 3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Add the shallots and cook for about 1 minute, until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
4. Add the frozen peas and lemon coated pear. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Mix in half of the pancetta, the parsley, and black pepper.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl, scatter the remaining pancetta over the top, and finish with lemon zest.
Notes
Frozen peas can be cooked directly from frozen. Fresh peas can also be used.
Pre diced pancetta can reduce preparation time.
Leave about 3 tablespoons of pancetta fat in the skillet for flavor rather than using all of the rendered fat.
Pancetta can be replaced with bacon or pieces of prosciutto.
For a meat free version, use finely diced sautéed mushrooms.
Pear can be replaced with diced apple.
Yellow onion can substitute for shallots.
Parsley can be replaced with tender fresh herbs such as basil, tarragon, or oregano.
Leftovers keep for 4 to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Reheat briefly in the microwave or in a skillet. Add a small drizzle of olive oil when reheating on the stovetop if needed.
The recipe can be prepared ahead and reheated, although the peas may lose some of their bright color.
The recipe can be doubled in a sufficiently large skillet for a larger gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 252
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 268 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg