Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

If you’re looking for a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table, these Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) will surely impress! This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it combines the sweet crunch of pears with the savory goodness of turkey strips and peas. It’s a dish that perfectly balances flavors while being quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this side dish brings warmth and cheer to any occasion.

The best part? You can whip this up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights too. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple on your holiday menu!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare this dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cooking!
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet pears and savory turkey strips creates a deliciously unique flavor profile.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness of the pears combined with the crispy turkey—they won’t even realize they’re eating their greens!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, making it easy to throw together when you need it.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors and festive flavors make this dish a standout on any holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are all simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully! Grab everything on this list to make your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips):

For the Dish

• ½ pound turkey strips (cut into small dice)
• 3 medium shallots (halved and thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 16 ounces frozen peas
• 1 pear
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast instead of turkey for a different flavor.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.
• Mix up the flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like things spicy.
• Go green: Include some fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pear

Start by peeling and dicing your pear into small pieces. This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish! Once diced, place them in a bowl and stir with lemon juice. This step not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the pear from browning while you cook.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced turkey strips and cook them until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial as it gives your dish that beautiful crispy texture. Once cooked, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon, letting excess fat drain off onto paper towels.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In that same skillet, add sliced shallots. Sauté them for about one minute until they soften up nicely—this brings out their natural sweetness! After they soften, stir in Dijon mustard to add a tangy depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Throw in your frozen peas and diced pears into the pan next. Stir everything together for about five minutes until everything is warmed through. This step helps blend all those wonderful flavors together!

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

With the heat off, fold in half of your crispy turkey strips along with freshly chopped parsley and black pepper to taste. This adds freshness to your dish that makes it even more enjoyable!

Step 6: Serve

Transfer everything to a large serving bowl. Top it off with the remaining turkey strips and garnish with lemon zest before serving. Your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) are now ready to bring joy to your dinner table!

Enjoy every bite!

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

Creating a delightful dish can be even easier with a few handy tips to ensure your Thanksgiving peas shine on the dinner table!

• Choose ripe pears – Using ripe pears adds natural sweetness and a pleasant texture to the dish. Look for pears that yield slightly when pressed, indicating they are ready to be enjoyed.

• Sauté shallots until just translucent – Cooking shallots until they are just softened brings out their sweet flavor without overpowering the dish. This step enhances the overall taste profile of your peas.

• Use fresh lemon zest – Grating fresh lemon zest right before serving brightens the flavors of the dish and adds a vibrant aroma. This small touch makes a big difference in elevating your Thanksgiving peas.

• Cook turkey strips to crispness – Ensure the turkey strips are golden brown and crispy before removing them from the pan. This texture contributes an enjoyable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender peas and sweet pears.

• Season gradually – Taste as you go! Adding freshly ground black pepper gradually allows you to control the seasoning perfectly and ensures you don’t overdo it from the start.

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

Presenting your Thanksgiving peas beautifully will surely impress your guests! A colorful serving bowl with garnishes can create an inviting centerpiece on your table.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley leaves – Sprinkling extra parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also reinforces the fresh flavors in the dish.
• Lemon wedges – Serving lemon wedges alongside allows guests to squeeze a little extra juice over their serving, enhancing the lemony flavor even further.
• Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) – Adding some toasted nuts as a garnish not only provides a crunchy texture but also contributes a nutty flavor that complements both the turkey and pear.

Side Dishes

• Roasted sweet potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of this dish while providing a comforting side option that everyone loves.
• Green bean almondine – Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds add color and crunch, making for an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.
• Cranberry sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce offers a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors in your Thanksgiving peas, balancing out each bite beautifully.
• Stuffing or dressing – A flavorful stuffing brings warmth and heartiness to your meal, making it feel complete while complementing all of your other dishes.

With these tips and suggestions for serving, your Thanksgiving meal will surely be a hit! Enjoy creating lasting memories around the table with this festive side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Peas recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it, making your holiday cooking a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Seal tightly and label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) that you might find helpful!

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

Yes! If you have fresh peas available, you can substitute them for frozen ones. Just remember that fresh peas may require slightly less cooking time.

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

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the turkey strips and consider adding roasted or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. You can also add more diced pears for sweetness!

Can I add other vegetables to Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is truly a special side dish that brings together savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday spread. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do! Gather your loved ones around the table, savor every bite, and create wonderful memories together. Happy cooking!