Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) dish is a delightful addition to any holiday table. The combination of tender peas, sweet pears, and savory turkey strips creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also brings a festive touch to your meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering, this dish highlights seasonal ingredients while being simple enough for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal side dish for busy cooks.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of the pears complements the savory turkey and peas perfectly, creating a balance of flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile Side Dish: While perfect for Thanksgiving, this dish can be served at any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe not only tastes good but is also good for you.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.

Tools and Preparation

To make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), gather your kitchen tools in advance. This will streamline your cooking process and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook the turkey strips evenly while providing enough space to add the peas and pears without overcrowding.
• Slotted spoon: This tool helps remove the turkey strips easily while letting any excess fat drain off.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping fruits and vegetables.

 

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

Seasoning

• 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 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.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the turkey strips to a paper towel-lined plate.
• 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 pan.
• Cook for about a minute until softened, then stir in the mustard.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

• Add the peas and diced pears to the pan.
• Stir for about 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

• Turn off the heat; stir in half of the turkey strips along with parsley and black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

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

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering! Enjoy this flavorful side dish that beautifully complements any main course.

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

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is a delightful side dish that elevates any holiday meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this tasty dish at your Thanksgiving table.

Pair with a Grain

• Quinoa or Couscous: Serve the peas over a fluffy bed of quinoa or couscous for added texture and nutrition.

Add a Crunch

• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Herb Medley: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish’s aroma and taste when sprinkled on top.

Serve with a Sauce

• Lemon Vinaigrette: Drizzle a light lemon vinaigrette for an extra burst of freshness that complements the peas and pears perfectly.

Accompany with Cheese

• Feta Crumbles: A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pears and the savory turkey.

Use as a Filling

• Stuffed Peppers: Use Thanksgiving Peas as a filling for bell peppers, then bake them for a unique twist on presentation.

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

To ensure your Thanksgiving Peas turn out delicious every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Bold Flavoring: Enhance the Dijon mustard flavor by adding more if you prefer a stronger taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh peas when in season instead of frozen for an even brighter flavor.
• Uniform Cuts: Dice turkey strips and pears into similar sizes for even cooking and presentation.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving to suit your palate.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the dish cool slightly before serving; this enhances flavors as they meld together.
• Make Ahead: Prepare components in advance but combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh.

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

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting classic.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring both texture and earthy flavors to your meal.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory dish topped with crunchy pecans offers delightful contrast.
4. Green Bean Almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds provide freshness to balance richer dishes.
5. Stuffing or Dressing: A savory stuffing made with herbs complements the flavors of turkey well.
6. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce brightens up the entire meal, adding variety to every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips), it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and presentation.

• Using fresh peas: Fresh peas require longer cooking times and can become mushy. Stick with frozen peas for a quick and easy dish.
• Overcooking turkey strips: Cooking turkey strips too long can lead to dry meat. Ensure they are golden brown but still juicy.
• Skipping lemon zest: Neglecting lemon zest means missing out on vibrant flavor. Always include it for a fresh twist!
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can dull flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with freshly ground black pepper.
• Ignoring prep work: Failing to prep ingredients in advance can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Always chop and measure everything before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Place the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch or substitute different fruits such as apples or cranberries for variety.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Thanksgiving Peas?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

Can I use different types of meat instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Chicken or beef strips are great alternatives if you prefer different flavors or textures.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is a delightful addition to your holiday table. Its blend of sweet pears, savory turkey, and fresh peas makes it versatile enough for gatherings year-round. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or other fruits!