Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that brings a burst of flavor and color to your Thanksgiving table, look no further than these Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips). This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh pears with savory turkey strips and vibrant peas, all wrapped in a light, lemony Dijon mustard sauce. It’s no wonder this has become one of my favorite go-to recipes for not just Thanksgiving, but also family gatherings and even busy weeknights.

The best part? This dish is super easy to whip up! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something special that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) a regular feature at your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy holiday schedule.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweetness of the pears combined with tender turkey strips. It’s a hit for all ages!
• Versatile: Perfect as a side for any occasion—be it Thanksgiving or a simple weeknight dinner.
• Wholesome ingredients: Packed with nutrients from peas and fresh parsley, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of lemon zest and Dijon mustard creates an irresistible tang that brightens up the dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this dish. You might already have many of them in your kitchen!

• 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

One of the lovely things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Swap the protein: If you don’t have turkey strips, feel free to use chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Change the fruit: Try using diced apples instead of pears for a different sweet touch.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick in your dish.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pear

Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing your pear. This step is key because you’ll want those little pieces to soak up all the lemon juice. Mixing them with lemon juice helps prevent browning while adding a bright flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey strips and cook until they turn golden brown. This step is important as it adds great texture and flavor. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan onto a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t forget to leave some rendered fat in the pan—it helps build flavor!

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In the same skillet, add your sliced shallots. Cook them for about one minute until they soften up. This is where the magic happens! Stirring in the Dijon mustard enhances their sweetness while adding depth.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Now it’s time to bring in those frozen peas and diced pears! Stir everything together for about five minutes until warmed through. The heat will bring out their flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Turn off the heat before stirring in half of your crispy turkey strips along with freshly chopped parsley and black pepper. This adds freshness to the dish right before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Finally, transfer your colorful mixture into a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining turkey strips and garnish with lemon zest for an extra pop! Your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) are ready to shine on your dinner table. Enjoy!

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

This delightful dish is a crowd-pleaser, and with these tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose ripe pears: Selecting a ripe pear adds a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the savory turkey and peas. Look for pears that yield slightly to pressure, indicating they are ready to eat.

• Don’t overcook the peas: Frozen peas require just a few minutes to heat through. Overcooking them can turn them mushy and dull their vibrant color, so keep an eye on them while cooking.

• Adjust the mustard level: If you’re not a huge fan of Dijon mustard, start with half the amount and taste before adding more. This allows you to customize the flavor according to your preference.

• Use fresh parsley: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also enhances the flavor profile with its fresh herbaceous notes.

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the turkey strips and shallots in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble everything just before serving.

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

Presenting this dish is all about balancing colors and textures on your Thanksgiving table. Here are some ideas to make it shine!

Garnishes

• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top adds a pop of color and an extra zing that brightens up every bite.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch and additional flavor that complements the sweet pears well.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a fantastic contrast in texture, making for a hearty addition that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peas and pears.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic bring comfort to your meal while providing a soothing backdrop to balance out the flavors in this dish.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with seasonal veggies offers a refreshing contrast. The nuttiness of quinoa complements the rich flavors of turkey and peas nicely.
• Sweet potato casserole: The slight sweetness of baked sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy topping creates an inviting side that harmonizes wonderfully with your Thanksgiving Peas.

Now you’ve got all the tools you need to impress your guests! Enjoy crafting this delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Peas dish is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring your holiday meal planning is stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the dish cool down before freezing.
• Place the peas in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Note: The texture of the peas may change slightly after freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen peas in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used, but you’ll need to cook them a bit longer until tender. Just ensure they are properly shelled before adding them to the dish.

How can I adjust the flavors in my Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

Feel free to experiment! You can add more Dijon mustard for tanginess or a pinch of sugar if you prefer sweeter notes. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can add wonderful depth as well.

Can I substitute turkey strips in this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use chicken strips or even plant-based protein alternatives for a different twist while keeping it versatile.

Is this a healthy side dish option?

Yes! This recipe is packed with nutrients from peas and pears while being lower in calories compared to many traditional sides. It’s both wholesome and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and turkey strips as much as I do! This dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s also filled with comforting flavors that will surely impress your family and friends. Feel free to make it ahead of time and savor every bite at your holiday table. Happy cooking, and here’s to creating wonderful memories this Thanksgiving!