Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table! A harmonious blend of sweet pears, vibrant peas, and savory turkey strips creates a dish that’s not only festive but also incredibly flavorful. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this side dish stands out with its unique twist on traditional flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish in about 30 minutes.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of the pears complements the savory turkey and the tangy Dijon mustard, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Colorful Presentation: The bright green peas and golden turkey strips make this dish visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.
• Versatile Side Dish: While perfect for Thanksgiving, this recipe can be served at dinner parties or even as a weeknight meal!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from turkey and fiber from peas and pears, this dish is both tasty and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A versatile tool needed for cooking the turkey strips and sautéing the shallots. It allows for even heating.
• Slotted spoon: This helps remove cooked turkey strips from the skillet without excess fat, ensuring a healthier final dish.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping fruits and vegetables, essential for food safety.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for easily slicing ingredients like shallots and pears.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), gather the following 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 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)

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, stirring with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey strips:
1. Cook until they are golden brown.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan onto a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Drain off some of the rendered fat but leave about 3 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

With the remaining fat in the skillet:
1. Add the sliced shallots.
2. Sauté for about one minute until softened.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Add both peas and diced pears to your skillet:
1. Stir gently for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
2. Ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Turn off heat before adding:
1. Half of the cooked turkey strips back into the mixture.
2. Mix in chopped parsley along with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer everything into a large serving bowl:
1. Top with remaining turkey strips.
2. Garnish with lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) as part of your festive meal!

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

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) make a delightful addition to your holiday table. Their combination of sweetness from the pear and savory turkey offers a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with various dishes.

Pair with Roasted Turkey

• A classic Thanksgiving centerpiece, roasted turkey complements the savory notes of the peas and adds protein to your meal.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich texture that balances the freshness of the peas, making for a comforting side dish pairing.

Accompany with Cranberry Sauce

• The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the sweet pears in the peas, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Include Stuffing

• Savory stuffing rounds out your Thanksgiving feast, providing an earthy contrast that goes well with the lightness of the peas.

Offer a Green Salad

• A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness to your plate, creating a refreshing balance alongside the hearty peas.

Garnish with Lemon Wedges

• Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add extra brightness to their plates, enhancing the lemony notes in the dish.

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

To ensure your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh shallots and ripe pears will elevate the flavors of the dish significantly.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Add more black pepper or lemon juice according to your preference for acidity and spice.

• Cook turkey evenly: Ensure turkey strips are cooked until golden brown for optimal flavor and texture.

• Don’t overcook peas: Only warm the frozen peas until heated through; overcooking can lead to mushiness.

• Garnish thoughtfully: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also freshens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

• Serve warm: This dish is best served immediately after cooking while it is warm for maximum enjoyment.

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

Complement your Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) with these delightful side dishes that will enhance your holiday spread.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory elements in your meal.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish brings sweetness to your table, featuring a creamy texture topped with crunchy pecans or marshmallows.

3. Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds add a crunchy dimension, enhancing both texture and taste.

4. Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach offers a decadent side that beautifully contrasts with lighter dishes like the peas.

5. Herbed Quinoa: A light, nutritious option that absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent base for other dishes on your plate.

6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring a touch of sweetness that complements savory flavors while adding comfort to any meal.

7. Baked Acorn Squash: Sliced acorn squash roasted with maple syrup provides natural sweetness that pairs nicely with both pears and turkey.

8. Cauliflower Gratin: Creamy cauliflower gratin brings richness to your table, balancing out lighter sides like peas in this festive feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using Overcooked Turkey Strips: Ensure your turkey strips are cooked just right. Overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on them while frying to achieve a golden brown color.
• Neglecting the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang to the dish. Forgetting it may result in a bland flavor. Always add the lemon juice after dicing the pear.
• Not Sautéing Shallots Enough: Undercooked shallots can ruin the texture of your dish. Sauté them until they soften before adding other ingredients for a better flavor base.
• Skipping the Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall taste. Omitting it can make your dish taste flat. Always season to your preference for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring Presentation: Serving can impact enjoyment. Take time to arrange the Thanksgiving Peas nicely in a bowl and garnish with lemon zest and remaining turkey strips for an appealing look.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used instead of frozen. Just adjust cooking time as fresh peas may require less time to cook.

How do I customize Thanksgiving Peas?

You can add other vegetables like carrots or corn for extra color and flavor. Feel free to experiment with herbs or spices!

Can I replace turkey strips with chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken strips work well as a substitute while still keeping this dish flavorful.

What should I serve with Thanksgiving Peas?

This side pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or lamb, making it versatile for any main dish.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is a delightful side that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare while allowing room for customization according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe at your next gathering!