Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings both comfort and festivity to your table, look no further than these Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips). This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my home, thanks to its delightful combination of sweet pears and savory turkey strips. It’s lively yet simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or even just a cozy dinner at home.

What I love most about this dish is how it captures the essence of Thanksgiving flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. The subtle lemony Dijon mustard adds a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness of the pears without overpowering the dish. Trust me; once you serve this at your next meal, your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those hectic holiday preparations.
• Family-Friendly: With its colorful ingredients and delicious taste, even picky eaters will find it hard to resist!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep some elements in advance, saving you time on the big day.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of peas, turkey strips, and pear creates a unique flavor profile that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful side dish, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dish

• ½ pound turkey strips (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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Swap the protein: If turkey isn’t your thing, try using chicken or even chickpeas for a plant-based twist!
• Add other veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Try different fruits: Substitute the pear with diced apples or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
• Switch up the herbs: If you’re not a fan of parsley, fresh thyme or basil will bring their own unique flair to this dish.

How to Make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

Step 1: Prep the Pear

Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing your pear into small pieces. This step is crucial because it allows the pear to absorb the lemon juice and stay fresh while you cook everything else. Once diced, toss it in a small bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set it aside while you work on cooking the turkey.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced turkey strips to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown. This step adds wonderful flavor! Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet onto a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat but leave about three tablespoons in the pan—this will help flavor your shallots.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In that same skillet with leftover turkey drippings, add in your sliced shallots. Sauté them for about one minute until they soften up nicely. Then stir in the Dijon mustard; this adds an amazing depth of flavor that perfectly balances with our sweet ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Now it’s time to add in those vibrant frozen peas along with your prepared pears. Give everything a good stir for about five minutes until warmed through. The bright green peas will pop against the sweet pears!

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Once everything is warmed through, turn off the heat! Gently fold in half of those crispy turkey strips along with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. This step not only enhances flavor but also adds freshness from the herbs.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your beautiful mix of Thanksgiving Peas to a large serving bowl or platter. Top with the remaining turkey strips and sprinkle some lemon zest on top as a garnish! This final touch brightens up both appearance and flavor—your guests will love it!

Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends at your Thanksgiving table!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

Creating the perfect dish can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to guide you!

• Choose ripe pears: Selecting ripe pears ensures they are sweet and soft, adding the perfect contrast to the savory turkey and peas. A perfectly ripe pear will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Don’t overcook the peas: Frozen peas only need a few minutes to warm through. Overcooking them can lead to a mushy texture, which detracts from their vibrant color and fresh taste.

• Use fresh parsley: Fresh herbs not only add flavor but also brighten up your dish visually. Chopped parsley sprinkled on top provides a fresh contrast against the rich flavors of turkey and mustard.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to add more black pepper or even a pinch of sea salt if you like it seasoned more robustly.

• Make ahead of time: You can prepare the turkey strips and shallots ahead of time and simply combine everything just before serving. This keeps things stress-free on Thanksgiving Day!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This gorgeous medley of peas, pears, and turkey strips deserves a beautiful presentation on your Thanksgiving table. Here are some ways you can elevate its visual appeal:

Garnishes

• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s citrus notes, making it even more refreshing.

• Chopped walnuts: For an added crunch, consider topping your dish with toasted walnuts. They add texture and pair wonderfully with both the sweetness of the pear and the savory elements in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory Thanksgiving Peas beautifully, creating a balanced plate that delights every palate.

• Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: These caramelized sprouts bring a tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pears while adding depth to your meal.

• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce is always a festive addition at Thanksgiving. Its tartness harmonizes well with both sweet and savory dishes, enhancing your overall dining experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy sharing this delightful side dish with family and friends this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Peas recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dish without the last-minute rush. You can easily prepare it in advance, making your Thanksgiving dinner stress-free!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the peas to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the peas cool down and portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dish!

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

Absolutely! If using fresh peas, cook them briefly until tender before adding them to the dish. Just be sure not to overcook them.

How do I make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace turkey strips with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.

What other fruits can I add to Thanksgiving Peas?

Besides pears, you can experiment with apples or even cranberries for a different flavor profile. These fruits will add a unique twist to your dish!

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that will brighten your holiday table. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s simple, festive, and sure to impress your guests. Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy and delicious food!