Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table. It combines sweet pears, tender turkey strips, and vibrant peas, all coated in a zesty Dijon mustard sauce. This dish is not only easy to make but also adds a festive touch to any gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving and other family occasions, this side dish will impress your guests with its unique flavors and colors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet pears, savory turkey, and zesty mustard creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Side Dish: While perfect for Thanksgiving, it can easily complement any meal throughout the year.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using frozen peas and fresh pears ensures vibrant color and taste in every bite.
• Nutrient-Packed: This dish is rich in protein from turkey and fiber from peas, making it a healthier side option.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Thanksgiving Peas dish, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items will help you create the perfect blend of flavors while ensuring efficiency in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the turkey strips and ensures that ingredients have enough room to mix well.
• Slotted spoon: This tool helps drain excess fat while keeping the cooked turkey strips intact when transferring them to a plate.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides an ideal surface for chopping fruits and vegetables with ease.

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 the Pear Mixture

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

For Garnishing

• 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

Begin by peeling, slicing, and dicing the pear. Place it in a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey strips, cooking until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In the same skillet, add the sliced shallots. Cook for about one minute until softened. Stir in the Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Now, add both the frozen peas and diced pears into the pan with shallots. Stir everything together for about five minutes or until the peas are warmed through.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Turn off the heat. Add half of your cooked turkey strips back into the pan along with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your Thanksgiving Peas mixture into a large serving bowl. Top with any remaining turkey strips and garnish with lemon zest before serving.

Enjoy your festive side dish that brings joy to every Thanksgiving gathering!

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. The combination of sweet pears, tender peas, and savory turkey creates a dish that is both festive and flavorful. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Grain

• Quinoa or Rice: Serve the peas over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice for added texture and heartiness.
• Wild Rice Blend: A wild rice blend complements the dish’s flavors while adding a nutty crunch.

Add a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette enhances the meal’s freshness.
• Cranberry Spinach Salad: Combine spinach with dried cranberries and feta for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Use as a Filling

• Stuffed Peppers: Use Thanksgiving Peas as a filling in halved bell peppers, topped with cheese and baked until golden.
• Savory Crepes: Fill crepes with the turkey strips and peas mixture for an elegant twist on the traditional dish.

Garnish Creatively

• Lemon Zest: Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for an additional citrus kick that brightens the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra parsley or chives to add color and freshness to the presentation.

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

To ensure your Thanksgiving Peas turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips for maximum flavor and texture.

• bold Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh shallots and ripe pears to elevate the flavor profile. Fresh ingredients make all the difference!
• bold Control Cooking Times: Avoid overcooking the peas; they should be vibrant green and just heated through for optimal taste.
• bold Use High-Quality Turkey: Select good quality turkey strips for better flavor. Fresh or organic options can enhance the overall dish.
• bold Balance Flavors: Taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt or more lemon juice can brighten the entire dish.
• bold Make Ahead Option: Prepare elements in advance. You can cook the turkey strips ahead of time to save on cooking when guests arrive.

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

When planning your Thanksgiving menu, complement your Thanksgiving Peas with these delicious side dishes that pair well together.

1. bold Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil offer a delicious contrast in texture.
2. bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside your festive peas.
3. bold Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows adds sweetness to balance savory dishes.
4. bold Green Bean Almondine: Tender green beans sautéed with almonds bring crunch and elegance to your table.
5. bold Cornbread Stuffing: Savory cornbread stuffing enhances traditional flavors while adding moisture to your meal.
6. bold Baked Acorn Squash: Slices of acorn squash baked with maple syrup create a sweet addition that pairs beautifully with turkey.

Enjoy crafting your Thanksgiving feast!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) can be easier when you avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the lemon juice: Not adding lemon juice to the pear can result in a bland flavor. Make sure to mix the diced pear with lemon juice to enhance its sweetness and prevent browning.

• Overcooking the turkey strips: Cooking turkey strips for too long can make them dry and tough. Cook them just until golden brown, then remove them from the heat to retain moisture.

• Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to season your dish with black pepper can dull its flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to elevate your dish.

• Using frozen peas without defrosting: Adding frozen peas directly can cool down the dish significantly. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking for better results.

• Ignoring presentation: Serving without garnishing can make your dish less appealing. Garnish with lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness that enhances presentation.

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 in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread in a baking dish and cover with foil. 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 over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used but will require slightly longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly based on tenderness.

What is the best way to customize my Thanksgiving Peas?

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch or other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional flavor.

How do I ensure my turkey strips are juicy?

Avoid overcooking by removing them from heat as soon as they turn golden brown. This keeps them tender and juicy.

Can I substitute chicken for turkey?

Absolutely! Chicken strips work well as an alternative in this recipe while maintaining similar flavors.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is a delightful side dish that combines sweet pears with savory turkey for a festive touch. This recipe is not only easy but also versatile—you can customize it with various herbs or veggies. Try it out this holiday season!