Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a side dish that brings a surprising twist to your table, you’re in for a treat with this Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweetness of the peas and pear pairs perfectly with the savory crispiness of pancetta, creating a harmony of flavors that’ll have your family asking for seconds. This recipe is simple, quick, and versatile — and I promise you’ll find it’s destined to become your new favorite go-to side!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe plays a unique role: the salty pancetta brings a punch of flavor, shallots add subtle sweetness, and the lemon juice brightens everything up. Grab the freshest pears you can find for that perfect juicy pop.

• Pancetta: I love using diced pancetta — it crisps up beautifully and delivers that meaty, savory crunch.
• Shallots: These add a mild onion sweetness that complements the peas without overpowering them.
• Dijon Mustard: A little tang to boost the layers of flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Frozen Peas: Frozen peas work great here — they’re sweet, bright green, and so convenient.
• Pear: Choose a ripe but firm pear so it holds up well in the pan without turning mushy.
• Lemon (zest and juice): This freshens the dish and adds a bit of zing that ties all the flavors together.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal finish and lovely color.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To season and add mild heat.

Variations

I love making this Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe my own by tweaking ingredients here and there. Feel free to play around with add-ins or swaps based on what’s in your kitchen or dietary preferences—you can’t really go wrong!

• Vegetarian Option: Swap pancetta for smoked tempeh or crispy mushrooms; it still delivers that umami kick I adore.
• Herb Variations: Try adding fresh thyme or tarragon alongside the parsley for an herbal twist my guests really enjoyed at last year’s dinner.
• Seasonal Twist: When pears aren’t in season, I use apple chunks for a similar sweet crunch that pairs beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirs up warmth that I sometimes add when serving this in cooler months.

How to Make Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pear with Lemon Juice

Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing the pear into small pieces. Tossing the pear dice quickly in lemon juice prevents browning and adds that lovely citrus brightness to the dish. Set this aside while you cook the pancetta.

Step 2: Crisp the Pancetta

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the pancetta dice. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. I like to use a slotted spoon to remove it onto a paper towel-lined plate afterward, which helps keep it nice and crisp. Be sure to leave about 3 tablespoons of that flavorful fat in the pan — it’s going to infuse everything with amazing taste.

Step 3: Soften Shallots and Stir in Mustard

Add the sliced shallots to the pancetta fat in the skillet and cook for about a minute until they’re soft but not browned. Then stir in the Dijon mustard—this little boost creates a subtly tangy base that elevates the whole dish.

Step 4: Mix in Peas and Pears

Next, add your frozen peas and the lemon-dressed pears to the skillet. Stir everything for about 5 minutes so the peas can warm through and the flavors meld. You’ll notice how the sweetness from the pears complements the peppery pancetta fat perfectly here.

Step 5: Finish with Pancetta, Parsley, and Pepper

Turn off the heat and then stir in half of the pancetta pieces back into the pan along with the chopped parsley and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. This step keeps some pancetta crispy on top when you serve. Transfer everything to a beautiful serving bowl, sprinkle the rest of your pancetta on top, and garnish with a little lemon zest for freshness.

How to Serve Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest and a few extra sprigs of parsley—both for color and that fresh zing. Sometimes, I also add a slight drizzle of high-quality olive oil for even more richness on the plate.

Side Dishes

This side pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey, especially during holiday meals. I’ve also served it alongside simple grilled pork chops or as part of a vegetarian spread, and it always holds its own flavor-wise.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love plating the Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe in elegant white bowls, topping with extra pancetta crisps and a sprig of fresh herb. Serving it family-style in a large, rustic wooden bowl invites sharing and gives a cozy vibe to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and this dish stays tasty and fresh for about 4 to 5 days. It’s great for quick lunches or to bring to work as a side or even a main with a fried egg.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my top recommendation here because the pears and peas can get a bit mushy after thawing, but if you want to freeze, I suggest doing so only if you intend to use the leftover pancetta separately or in cooked dishes where texture isn’t the main star.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to gently warm the dish in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating. This helps maintain the peas’ bright color and keeps pancetta tasty and crispy without drying it out. Microwave reheating works too but be careful not to overdo it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Pea and Pear Pancetta Side Dish Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s saved me during those hectic holiday meals when you want something quick but still impressive. It’s fresh, flavorful, and strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all year round. I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a whirl and watch it become your new favorite sidekick at the dinner table!

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