Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday spread. It combines the sweetness of pears with savory turkey strips and vibrant peas, creating a dish that is not only festive but also easy to prepare. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering, this side dish brings a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests and elevate your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet pears, crispy turkey strips, and zesty lemon adds a delightful twist that complements any main course.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish for Thanksgiving or serve it alongside grilled meats during summer barbecues.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with peas and pears, this recipe offers vitamins and minerals while keeping the calories in check.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor and appealing colors make it a favorite among both kids and adults.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having everything ready will help streamline the preparation of your Thanksgiving Peas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing the turkey strips and shallots evenly, ensuring they cook perfectly without burning.
• Slotted spoon: Helps to remove cooked turkey from the skillet easily while leaving excess fat behind.
• Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.

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Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips):

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))

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces frozen peas

For Sweetness

• 1 pear

For Zest

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest))

For Garnishing

• ½ cup roughly chopped parsley

To Taste

• freshly ground black pepper

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

Step 1: Prep the Pear

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

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey strips and cook until golden brown.
1. Using a slotted spoon, remove the turkey strips to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Drain off some of the rendered fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

Add the sliced shallots to the skillet. Cook for about one minute until softened, then stir in the Dijon mustard.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Add both peas and diced pears to the pan. Stir for about five minutes until they are warmed through.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cooked turkey strips, parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

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

Enjoy this festive dish with your Thanksgiving feast!

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

Serving Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) can elevate your festive meal. The combination of flavors makes this dish a standout option on your table. Consider these serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Side

• This dish shines as a main side, offering a satisfying balance of protein and veggies, perfect alongside any main course.

With a Grain

• Pair the peas with quinoa or brown rice for added texture and heartiness, creating a more complete meal.

Garnished with Nuts

• Top with toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears.

With Fresh Bread

• Serve warm with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious juices, making every bite enjoyable.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving enhances the flavors and adds richness.

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

To ensure your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) are perfect, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture in your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and ripe pears will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice for the best balance.
• Don’t overcook peas: Frozen peas only need a few minutes to warm through. Overcooking can lead to mushiness.
• Choose high-quality turkey: Opt for lean turkey strips for better taste and texture that stands out in this dish.
• Prep ahead: Dice the pear and shallots ahead of time to make cooking quick and easy on Thanksgiving Day.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that complements the dish beautifully.

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

If you’re looking to complement your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), here are some fantastic side dishes that will complete your festive meal.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory elements of the peas.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside this vibrant side dish.
3. Green Bean Almondine: The crunch from almond-topped green beans adds a delightful contrast in textures.
4. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce brings brightness to the plate, enhancing all flavors present.
5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with grains and nuts, this dish offers warmth and heartiness that complements your peas well.
6. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots add another layer of flavor, harmonizing beautifully with both sweet pears and savory turkey.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up juices from your other sides.
8. Brussels Sprouts Salad: A fresh salad with shredded Brussels sprouts adds crunch and freshness to balance out rich dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) to a delightful dish.

• Using overcooked turkey strips: Ensure the turkey strips are cooked just until golden brown. Overcooking can lead to tough, dry pieces.
• Skipping the lemon juice: The lemon juice adds brightness and balances the flavors. Don’t forget to stir it with the pear before adding it to the dish.
• Not seasoning adequately: Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavors significantly. Season to taste, especially before serving.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Properly preparing ingredients, like dicing the pear and slicing shallots ahead of time, streamlines cooking and ensures even flavor distribution.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Use a large enough skillet for even heat distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer peas to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place peas in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth if needed. Heat while stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

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

Yes! Fresh peas can be used but will require slightly less cooking time. Add them in after the shallots have softened.

What can I substitute for turkey strips?

Chicken or beef strips work well as alternatives if you prefer different meat options.

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

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the turkey strips and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or tofu for protein.

Can Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this side dish a day in advance; just reheat it gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is a versatile side that brings vibrant flavors to your holiday table. It pairs wonderfully with various main dishes, making it suitable for any festive occasion. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or different herbs for added texture and flavor!