Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table! It’s a colorful mix of sweet pears, vibrant peas, and crispy turkey strips, all enhanced by a tangy lemony Dijon mustard flavor. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a festive touch that complements any Thanksgiving feast. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this side dish will leave your guests asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this delicious side in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of pears paired with savory turkey strips creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: While perfect for Thanksgiving, this dish works well for any meal or celebration throughout the year.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from peas and pears, it adds both color and health benefits to your plate.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its appealing presentation and taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation of Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) seamless, gather the necessary tools in advance. Having these items ready will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Great for even cooking of turkey strips and sautéing vegetables.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked turkey strips without leaving excess fat behind.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like pears and shallots.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Turkey Strips

• ½ pound turkey strips (cut into small dice)

For the Vegetables

• 3 medium shallots (halved and thinly sliced (about 1 cup thinly sliced))
• 16 ounces frozen peas

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest))
• ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Pear

• 1 pear

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

Step 1: Prepare the Pear

Peel, slice, and small dice the pear. Place it in a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey strips to the pan. Cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the turkey strips onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Shallots

In the same skillet with rendered fat, add the sliced shallots. Cook them for about one minute until they become softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 4: Add Peas and Pears

Add both frozen peas and diced pears into the skillet with shallots. Stir everything together for about five minutes until peas are warmed through.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cooked turkey strips along with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with remaining turkey strips and garnish with lemon zest before serving.

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is bound to be a favorite at your holiday gatherings! Enjoy every bite!

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

This delightful dish brings a vibrant touch to your Thanksgiving table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and turkey strips.

As a Festive Centerpiece

• Serve the peas in a large, decorative bowl to make them the star of the side dish lineup. The bright green peas and golden turkey strips will draw attention.

With a Drizzle of Lemon Juice

• Enhance the flavors by adding a little extra lemon juice just before serving. This adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the pear beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top your dish with additional freshly chopped parsley or other herbs like thyme for added freshness and color. This makes for an appealing presentation.

Alongside Cranberry Sauce

• Pair your Thanksgiving Peas with a small bowl of cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast. The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors nicely.

Served with Rustic Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up any juices left on the plate. This adds an enjoyable texture to your meal.

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

To achieve the best results for your Thanksgiving Peas, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh pears when possible. They add more flavor compared to canned or frozen options.

• Cook Turkey Strips Evenly – Ensure that your turkey strips are cut uniformly for even cooking. This helps them brown nicely and remain juicy.

• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper or Dijon mustard according to your preference.

• Keep Peas Bright Green – Do not overcook the peas; just warm them through. This keeps their vibrant color and ensures they don’t lose their nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

Complement your Thanksgiving feast with these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Thanksgiving Peas.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich contrast to the bright flavors in your pea dish.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that balances well with sweet pears.

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots – These sweet, tender carrots offer a delightful crunch alongside the soft peas and turkey strips.

4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with seasonal vegetables adds freshness without overpowering other flavors.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash – Savory stuffed acorn squash filled with grains and spices makes for an elegant presentation next to your peas.

6. Green Bean Almondine – Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds add texture and complement the earthiness of turkey perfectly.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole – A creamy sweet potato casserole topped with pecans is a comforting classic that pairs nicely with savory dishes.

8. Wild Rice Pilaf – A flavorful wild rice pilaf made with herbs offers an earthy depth that enhances every bite at your Thanksgiving table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not prepping ingredients first: Failing to chop and measure your ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Always prep your pears, shallots, and turkey strips before you start cooking.

• Overcooking the turkey strips: Cooking the turkey strips too long can make them tough. Cook them until they’re golden brown but still juicy for the best texture.

• Ignoring seasoning balance: Skipping or skimping on the Dijon mustard or lemon juice can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use the right amounts for that zesty kick.

• Using frozen peas directly: Adding frozen peas without warming them can cool down your dish. Ensure they are heated through before serving for optimal taste.

• Skipping garnish: Neglecting to add lemon zest at the end can take away from the presentation and flavor. Always remember to finish your dish with a fresh garnish for that extra touch.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring midway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), here are some common ones answered:

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used! Just ensure they are cooked until tender before mixing them with other ingredients.

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

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or swap parsley with other herbs like thyme or basil for different flavors.

What can I serve with Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

These peas pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or any protein of your choice like chicken or beef.

How do I store leftovers of Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may also freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is a delightful side dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. It’s versatile enough to complement various main courses while being simple enough for any home cook. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or nuts!