Peas with Pancetta and Pears (Printable Version)
Crispy pancetta sautéed with tender peas, sweet pear, and shallots, brightened with lemon and Dijon mustard for a festive side dish.
# Ingredients:
01 -
500g frozen peas
02 -
200g pancetta, diced
03 -
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
04 -
1 ripe pear, peeled and small diced
05 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 -
1 teaspoon lemon zest
07 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 -
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 -
Peel, slice, and dice the pear into small cubes. Place in a small bowl and toss with lemon juice to preserve color and texture. Set aside.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, leaving approximately 3 tablespoons in the pan.
03 -
Add sliced shallots to the pancetta fat and cook for 1 minute until softened. Stir in Dijon mustard until well incorporated. Add the reserved pear and peas, stirring gently for about 5 minutes until peas are warmed through.
04 -
Turn off heat. Fold in half the crispy pancetta, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with remaining pancetta and lemon zest.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday meal preparation.
02 -
For a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe as this popular side dish tends to disappear quickly.
03 -
The pork fat adds tremendous flavor to the vegetables, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes.