Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table. Combining sweet pears with savory turkey strips and vibrant peas, this dish offers a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests. Perfect for family gatherings or any festive occasion, this easy-to-make side dish adds both color and taste to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet pears, tender turkey strips, and fresh peas creates a delicious contrast that enhances any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for Thanksgiving, but also great for everyday dinners or special occasions.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors make it a visually appealing addition to your dinner spread.

Tools and Preparation

To make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for evenly cooking the turkey strips and sautéing the vegetables.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove cooked turkey without excess fat, keeping your dish healthy.
• Cutting board & knife: Necessary for safely prepping fruits and vegetables.

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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
• 1 pear

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

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

Step 1: Prep the Pear

Peel the pear, slice it into small pieces, then dice it. Place the diced pear in a small bowl, add lemon juice, and stir to coat. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey strips to the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, draining off excess fat while leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In the same skillet, add the sliced shallots. Sauté them for about a minute until they soften. Stir in the Dijon mustard for flavor.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Add both frozen peas and prepared pears to the skillet. Stir everything together for about 5 minutes or until the peas are warmed through.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Turn off the heat. Mix in half of the cooked turkey strips along with parsley and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

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

Enjoy your flavorful Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) as part of your holiday feast!

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

This delightful Thanksgiving side dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and turkey strips.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the peas in the center of a large serving platter, surrounded by lemon wedges for added color and flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with additional parsley or fresh thyme leaves to enhance the dish’s aroma and presentation.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve it in individual bowls for each guest, allowing them to savor the unique combination of flavors.

Paired with Whole Grains

• Accompany the peas with a side of quinoa or wild rice for a heartier meal that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

With a Creamy Dip

• Offer a light yogurt-based dip on the side for guests who enjoy an extra layer of taste with their veggies.

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

To make your Thanksgiving Peas even more enjoyable, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and ripe pears can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your dish before serving; feel free to add more black pepper or lemon juice according to your preference.

• Cook turkey strips until crispy: Ensuring your turkey strips are golden brown adds texture and depth of flavor to the dish.

• Don’t overcook peas: Keep them bright green and tender by adding them late in the cooking process, just enough to warm through.

• Experiment with herbs: Try different herbs like dill or chives for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

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

Pair these delicious side dishes with your Thanksgiving Peas to create a balanced meal that everyone will love.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized offer natural sweetness that complements savory dishes wonderfully.

2. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds brightness and acidity, making it an excellent pairing with rich flavors.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair beautifully with turkey dishes.

4. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in olive oil add freshness and crunch alongside your peas.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Acorn squash filled with grains, nuts, and spices offers a hearty option that’s festive and colorful on the table.

6. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of creamy butternut squash soup serves as a lovely first course that sets the tone for Thanksgiving dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the pear prep: Not properly prepping the pear can lead to browning or uneven flavor. Always peel, slice, and toss it with lemon juice to maintain freshness.

• Overcooking the turkey strips: Cooking turkey strips too long can cause them to dry out. Cook just until golden brown and remove from heat promptly.

• Neglecting shallots: Overlooking the shallots can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Sauté them until softened before adding other ingredients.

• Adding frozen peas directly: Tossing frozen peas into the pan without thawing can result in uneven heating. Make sure they are warmed through for the best texture.

• Forgetting seasoning: Skipping black pepper or other seasonings can leave your dish bland. Season generously to enhance overall flavor.

• Not garnishing: Serving without a garnish may make the dish look less appealing. Always top with lemon zest for a vibrant finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Freeze in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips):

What makes Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) unique?

This dish combines sweet pears with savory turkey strips, creating a delightful balance of flavors that is perfect for Thanksgiving.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used; however, they will require slightly longer cooking time compared to frozen ones.

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

Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or substitute parsley with other herbs like thyme or sage based on your preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve, making it great for holiday meal planning.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is not only a delicious addition to your holiday feast but also a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it uniquely yours. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe this holiday season!