A festive, flavorful side dish that combines sweet pears, tender peas, and crispy pancetta with a hint of lemony Dijon mustard. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday table and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- ½ pound pancetta, diced
- 3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- 1 pear, peeled, sliced, and small diced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp juice, 1 tsp zest)
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the pear:
Peel, slice, and dice the pear into small pieces. Place in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice to help preserve color and texture. Set aside.
2. Cook the pancetta:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan for cooking the vegetables—it adds incredible flavor!
3. Sauté the shallots:
Add the sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard until fragrant.
4. Add peas and pears:
Stir in the frozen peas and prepared pear. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are warmed through and the pears are slightly tender.
5. Finish with pancetta and parsley:
Turn off the heat and stir in half of the cooked pancetta, chopped parsley, and a few grinds of black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with the remaining pancetta, and garnish with lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
- Pancetta alternatives: Use diced bacon or prosciutto if pancetta isn’t available. For a vegan option, try sautéed mushrooms.
- Pear alternatives: Swap with diced apple for a slightly different, sweet flavor.
- Make ahead: Prep the peas and pears, and store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Breakfast twist: Use leftovers as a topping for scrambled eggs or a fried/poached egg for a savory breakfast treat.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of sweet pears, salty pancetta, and tender peas is elevated by the subtle tang of Dijon mustard and brightness from lemon juice and zest. The result is a side dish that’s festive, flavorful, and elegant, yet simple enough to prepare during a busy holiday. The sweet, savory, and fresh elements balance beautifully, making this one of the most popular Thanksgiving sides on the table!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 268 mg
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Vitamin A: 1026 IU
- Vitamin C: 49 mg
This Peas with Pear and Pancetta dish is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress family and friends. Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, it’s a side dish that will be requested year after year!