Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to brighten up your Thanksgiving table, you’ve come to the right place! My Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) are a favorite in my home. This delightful blend of frozen peas, crispy turkey strips, and sweet pears brings a burst of color and flavor to any meal. The subtle hint of lemony Dijon mustard adds a nice twist that everyone loves!

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can whip it up on busy weeknights or serve it during family gatherings. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can have this tasty side dish ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of sweet pears and savory turkey strips makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, making it super convenient for holiday cooking!
• Delicious Flavor: The balance between the sweet pears and the savory turkey strips creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a festive side dish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for these Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips):

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make this dish uniquely yours:

• Swap the protein: If turkey isn’t your thing, try using chicken strips or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for an extra crunch and color.
• Experiment with herbs: Instead of parsley, feel free to use basil or thyme to change the flavor profile.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or plant-based cream alternative at the end for a richer sauce.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pear

Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing the pear into small pieces. Placing them in a bowl with lemon juice prevents browning while adding a zesty kick. This step enhances both texture and flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey strips to the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown, which adds delicious flavor through caramelization. Once cooked, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. This helps drain excess fat while keeping them crispy.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In the same skillet, toss in the thinly sliced shallots. Sauté them for about a minute until they soften; this step brings out their natural sweetness. Stir in the Dijon mustard next—this will add depth to your dish.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add those vibrant peas and diced pears into the skillet. Stir gently for about five minutes until everything is warmed through. This mixing allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Once everything is warm, turn off the heat! Fold in half of your crispy turkey strips along with the chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. This adds freshness that balances out the richness from earlier steps.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your beautiful mixture into a large serving bowl. Top it off with the remaining turkey strips for presentation, then garnish with lemon zest for an extra pop! Your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) are now ready to shine on your dinner table!

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

Making this dish is a breeze, but a few tips can help you elevate it even further!

• Prep ingredients ahead of time: Having your turkey strips diced, shallots sliced, and pear prepped before you start cooking will streamline the process and make everything come together smoothly.

• Use fresh parsley: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. Chopped parsley not only enhances taste but also adds a lovely pop of color.

• Cook turkey to golden perfection: Ensuring your turkey strips are nicely browned adds depth to the dish. This creates a pleasing contrast in flavors and textures when mixed with the peas and pears.

• Don’t overcook the peas: A quick stir-fry is all they need; overcooking can lead to mushy peas, which isn’t desirable. They should retain their bright green color and slight bite.

• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings according to your preference by tasting throughout the cooking process. This ensures that the final dish is perfectly balanced for your palate.

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

Presenting your Thanksgiving Peas beautifully can enhance not only its appeal but also the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful side dish!

Garnishes

• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest on top brightens up the dish visually and adds an extra layer of citrus flavor that complements both the peas and pears.
• Extra Parsley: A few sprigs or chopped bits scattered on top can create a fresh look while reinforcing the herbaceous notes in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of this dish, creating a well-rounded plate.
• Green Bean Almondine: Crunchy green beans sautéed with toasted almonds offer a satisfying texture contrast while adding another vegetable option!
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the turkey strips without overwhelming your palate.
• Stuffing with Herbs: A savory stuffing infused with herbs adds warmth to your meal and harmonizes beautifully with the flavors in your Thanksgiving Peas.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your guests while enjoying a comforting, delicious meal! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) dish is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making your holiday cooking a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, try to consume it within this time frame.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before packaging.
• Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
• Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, making sure to stir in between for even warming.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious side dish!

Can I make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish a day or two in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

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

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, stuffing, or any traditional Thanksgiving sides. It adds a unique twist with its sweet and savory flavors!

Can I substitute the turkey strips?

Yes! You can replace the turkey strips with chicken or a plant-based alternative if preferred. The recipe will still be delightful!

How should I store leftover Thanksgiving Peas?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)! This dish is not only simple but also brings a festive flair to your table. Enjoy creating wonderful memories with your loved ones around this delightful side dish. Happy cooking!