This easy creamy mashed peas recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, offering a delightful twist on tradition. Sweet peas are blended with caramelized pears and savory pancetta for a rich, comforting flavor that complements any holiday table. For more festive vegetable inspiration, try this Christmas Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe or a classic Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

Print Recipe

Author: Dorothy Miller

Ingredients

Scale

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

Prep the pear. Peel, slice, and small dice the pear. Place it in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice. Set aside.
Cook the pancetta. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain off some of the rendered fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.

Add the shallots. Add the sliced shallots and cook for about a minute, until softened, then stir in the mustard.
Add the peas and pears. Add the peas and pears to the pan. Stir for about 5 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.

Stir in pancetta and parsley. Turn off the heat, then stir in half the pancetta, the parsley, and black pepper.
Serve. Transfer the peas to a large serving bowl, top with the remaining pancetta, and garnish with lemon zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Thanksgiving peas side dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish a day in advance. Simply cook the peas and combine with the other ingredients, then store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen peas are an excellent and convenient choice for this Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish. They are flash-frozen at peak freshness, so they will deliver great flavor and texture. There’s no need to thaw them; just add them directly to the pan.

How can I add more flavor to this simple side dish?

Enhance this Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish by sautéing shallots or garlic first. You can also finish it with fresh herbs like mint or dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon or toasted nuts for extra texture and savory flavor.

🍳

Get our 10 best recipes — free

Join the Receipster newsletter and we’ll send you Dorothy’s 10 most-loved recipes as a free PDF.

Free PDF + new recipes every week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Thanksgiving Peas With Pear And Pancetta Recipe