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Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta – A Sweet & Savory Holiday Side
When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, peas often get overlooked — but not anymore. These Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta take the humble green pea and transform it into something elegant, flavorful, and unexpected.
The combination of sweet pears, crispy pancetta, and tender peas brings together all the best elements of a holiday feast — freshness, saltiness, sweetness, and texture. It’s simple to prepare, gorgeous on the table, and it pairs effortlessly with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
If you’re ready to serve something unique that still feels comfortingly familiar, this quick and festive side dish deserves a spot at your Thanksgiving table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and elegant: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Balanced flavor: Sweet pears meet salty pancetta in perfect harmony.
- Colorful and festive: Bright greens and golden tones make it pop on any table.
- Flexible pairing: Delicious with poultry, pork, or vegetarian mains.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for busy holiday cooking schedules.
Ingredients
For the Dish
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 4 oz diced pancetta (or substitute with bacon)
- 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for added sweetness
Instructions
- Cook the Pancetta:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy and golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. - Sauté the Shallot and Pear:
In the same skillet, remove excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add butter and sauté shallots for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in diced pear and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until softened and slightly caramelized. - Add the Peas:
Stir in the peas (if using frozen, no need to thaw). Cook until heated through — about 3–5 minutes. - Combine and Season:
Return the pancetta to the pan. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to coat. For extra shine and flavor, drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup before serving. - Serve Warm:
Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with more thyme or pancetta bits, and serve immediately.
Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta
A quick, elegant side dish featuring sweet pears, salty pancetta, and tender peas — a perfect balance of flavors for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pancetta in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the pan and sauté shallot until fragrant.
- Add diced pear and cook until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in peas and cook until heated through, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return pancetta to the pan, add thyme, salt, and pepper, and toss gently.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired, and serve warm.
Flavor Story
This dish is the essence of sweet meets savory. The crispy pancetta adds richness and saltiness, while the pear brings subtle sweetness and moisture. The peas act as a fresh, earthy base, soaking up all the buttery, savory flavors. The thyme ties it all together, lending a gentle herbal note that feels unmistakably seasonal.
Each bite tastes like Thanksgiving — comforting, balanced, and just a bit luxurious.
Tips for Perfect Peas
- Don’t overcook the peas: They should stay vibrant green and slightly firm.
- Use ripe but firm pears: You want sweetness without mushiness — Bosc or Anjou are ideal.
- Skip the pancetta for vegetarian: Substitute toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Balance the salt: Pancetta can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
- Add brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end lifts the flavors beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Pancetta-Free Option: Swap in toasted almonds or pecans for a nutty twist.
- With Blue Cheese: Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for bold flavor.
- With Caramelized Onions: Deepen the sweetness by adding caramelized onions.
- Holiday Touch: Toss with dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a festive finish.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a rich version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roast turkey, baked ham, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes or stuffing for a colorful side contrast.
- For brunch, serve this pea dish with poached eggs and sourdough toast.
This dish also looks stunning in a simple white or wooden bowl — the colors pop naturally against neutral tones.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil.
- Freeze: Not recommended — pears and peas lose texture when frozen after cooking.
Nutritional Highlights
This side is indulgent yet balanced — filled with fiber, vitamins, and protein.
- Peas are rich in plant-based protein and vitamin C.
- Pancetta adds flavor in small amounts, keeping portions moderate.
- Pears bring natural sweetness and antioxidants.
Each serving clocks in at about 210 calories — festive flavor without the guilt.
Fun Fact
The pairing of pears and pancetta originates from Italian cooking traditions, where fruit is often used to balance cured meats. This dish gives a nod to that heritage while adding a Thanksgiving twist with peas and thyme.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can cook the pancetta and pears ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, just reheat in a skillet, add the peas, and toss — perfect for simplifying Thanksgiving prep.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta proves that even the simplest ingredients can feel gourmet. With vibrant colors, layered textures, and balanced flavors, this quick recipe elevates your holiday table — no fuss required.
Serve it once, and it might just become a new Thanksgiving classic in your home.
