Savory Peas with Pancetta

This hearty Thanksgiving peas dish transforms a humble vegetable into an elegant, flavorful side that always disappears from my holiday table. The combination of crispy pancetta, sweet pears, and savory shallots creates a perfect balance that elevates traditional peas to something truly special.

I created this recipe during a last-minute Thanksgiving when I needed something beyond plain steamed vegetables. The unexpected addition of pears was a happy accident when I spotted one ripening on my counter, and now my family requests these peas at every holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• Frozen peas provide convenience without sacrificing flavor. They maintain their bright color and sweet taste while requiring zero prep work.
• Pancetta offers rich, salty depth that ordinary bacon cannot match. Look for pancetta cut into small cubes at your deli counter for best results.
• Shallots bring a delicate, sweet onion flavor that complements the peas beautifully. Choose firm bulbs with tight, papery skin.
• Dijon mustard adds subtle tanginess and helps create a light sauce. Select a high-quality French brand for the best flavor profile.
• Ripe but firm pear contributes unexpected sweetness and texture. Bosc or Anjou varieties hold their shape best when cooked.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the entire dish. Always use freshly squeezed for the most vibrant flavor.
• Flat-leaf parsley provides the perfect fresh, herbaceous finish. Look for bunches with perky, unwilted leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pear

Peel, core and dice the pear into small, bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss in fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. The acid also helps the pear maintain its structure during cooking rather than turning to mush.

Crisp the pancetta

Heat a large skillet over medium heat without adding oil. Add the pancetta cubes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and release their fat. The fat renders slowly, creating crispy exterior while maintaining a slightly chewy center. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Sauté the aromatics

Reduce the heat slightly and add the thinly sliced shallots to the rendered pancetta fat. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until they just begin to soften but not brown. Immediately stir in the Dijon mustard, coating the shallots and creating a fragrant base that will cling to the peas.

Add pears and peas

Add the lemon-soaked pear pieces and frozen peas to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything, allowing the peas to warm through and the pears to soften slightly. This takes about 5 minutes. The peas should remain bright green and just tender, not mushy.

Finish and garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half the crispy pancetta pieces and chopped fresh parsley. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining pancetta and fresh lemon zest for a beautiful presentation and burst of citrus aroma.

Bookmark

I became obsessed with the pancetta-pea combination after experiencing it in Italy years ago. The traditional version is much simpler, but my addition of pears came from a happy accident when I was trying to use up fruit before a trip. The sweetness against the salty pancetta created such magic that I've never gone back to the original version.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the dish, and save some of the crispy pancetta separately to add just before serving for that perfect textural contrast.

Perfect Substitutions

If pancetta is unavailable, thick-cut bacon works beautifully. Look for applewood-smoked varieties for a complementary sweetness. Cut the bacon into small pieces and proceed with the recipe exactly as written. For a vegetarian version, substitute sautéed mushrooms that have been finely diced and deeply browned to develop umami flavors that mimic the savory quality of pancetta.

Serving Suggestions

These Thanksgiving peas nestle perfectly alongside roast turkey and stuffing, but they also pair wonderfully with ham or prime rib. The bright flavors and crispy texture provide a welcome contrast to richer, heavier dishes on your holiday table. For a lovely presentation, serve in a shallow bowl or platter rather than a deep dish to showcase the colors and textures. A sprig of fresh herbs as garnish adds a professional touch.

The Secret to Perfect Texture

The key to this dish is maintaining textural contrast. The peas should remain slightly firm and vivid green, while the pears should be tender but not mushy. To achieve this balance, avoid overcooking after adding the peas. Five minutes is usually sufficient to warm them through while preserving their fresh bite. If using fresh peas rather than frozen, reduce the cooking time to just 2-3 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 4-5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm it in a skillet on the stovetop. For best texture, consider adding the crispy pancetta topping just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for pancetta?

Bacon makes an excellent substitute for pancetta, providing similar savory and salty notes. Prosciutto pieces also work well. For a vegetarian option, try diced sautéed mushrooms which can provide a similar umami flavor profile.

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used in place of frozen. They may require slightly less cooking time, so add them to the pan and cook just until they're bright green and tender, typically 3-4 minutes.

→ Why toss the pear in lemon juice?

Tossing the diced pear in lemon juice serves two purposes: it prevents oxidation (browning) of the pear, preserving its color and texture, while also adding a bright, citrusy flavor note that complements the savory elements in the dish.

→ What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

While parsley offers a clean, fresh flavor, you can substitute other tender herbs such as fresh basil, tarragon, chives, or oregano. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the dish while maintaining that essential herbal brightness.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the pancetta with sautéed mushrooms cut into small pieces. Use olive oil or butter for sautéing instead of the rendered pancetta fat. You might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic some of the savory depth that pancetta provides.