Savory Pancetta and Pear Peas with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
A flavorful Thanksgiving side dish combining savory pancetta, sweet pears, and fresh peas with a zesty lemon and mustard dressing. This dish balances saltiness and sweetness, perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- ½ pound pancetta, cut into small dice
Vegetables & Fruits
- 3 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup thinly sliced)
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- 1 pear, peeled, sliced, and small diced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
- ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
Condiments & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the pear: Peel, slice, and dice the pear small. Place the diced pear in a small bowl, then stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. Set it aside while you prepare the rest.
- Cook the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off some of the rendered fat from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the shallots: Add the sliced shallots to the skillet with the reserved pancetta fat. Cook for about 1 minute until softened and fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard to coat the shallots and incorporate flavor.
- Add the peas and pears: Add the frozen peas and the lemon-coated diced pears to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the pears slightly tender.
- Stir in pancetta and parsley: Turn off the heat. Add half of the cooked pancetta back into the skillet along with the roughly chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked peas mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining crispy pancetta and garnish with fresh lemon zest to add a bright finish to the dish.
Notes
- The lemon juice on the pear prevents browning and adds fresh acidity.
- Rendering fat from the pancetta provides flavorful cooking fat for the shallots and peas.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas if available; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain texture and freshness.
- For a milder taste, reduce the amount of pancetta or black pepper to taste.
Keywords: Thanksgiving side dish, peas with pancetta, holiday recipe, quick side, lemon zest peas, savory pear peas
