Creating the perfect stuffing can often be the star of a holiday meal, bringing warmth and comfort to the dinner table. This recipe for Pine Nut Stuffing elevates the classic dish with the rich and earthy flavors of pine nuts. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, this flavorful stuffing is sure to become a family favorite.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 loaf of day-old whole wheat bread, cubed
– 1 cup pine nuts
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 stalks of celery, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove the pine nuts from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, toasted pine nuts, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
5. Slowly pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure that the liquid is evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Once the stuffing is cooked through and nicely browned, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
This Pine Nut Stuffing is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors, with the crunch of pine nuts adding a delightful texture to each bite. Serve alongside your favorite holiday dishes or enjoy it as a standalone comfort food. This recipe is versatile and easy to customize, so feel free to add your own twist with additional ingredients like mushrooms, apples, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the warmth and aroma of this tasty stuffing that will surely impress your guests and brighten up your table.
