Are you tired of traditional, heavy stuffing that leaves you feeling sluggish? Get ready to transform your holiday table with a game-changing vegetable stuffing that's not just nutritious, but incredibly delicious! This wholesome recipe packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely mouthwatering. Imagine a stuffing so good, your guests won't believe it's packed with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs - all while being lighter and more nutritious than traditional recipes.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf whole grain bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your stuffing cooks evenly and is nicely browned when finished.
- Take the whole grain bread and cut it into small cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the bread and prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy.
- While the bread is toasting, prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the dried thyme, sage, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- After the spices are fragrant, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and broth mixture. Gently stir to ensure that the bread absorbs the liquid and is evenly coated with the vegetable mixture.
- Add the chopped parsley to the stuffing mixture and stir until well incorporated. This adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Once the stuffing is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This healthy vegetable stuffing is perfect as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast or any festive occasion.
Tips
- Toast your bread cubes thoroughly to ensure a crispy texture and prevent soggy stuffing. Golden brown is your goal!
- Dice vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Don't skip the herb toasting step - sautéing herbs briefly intensifies their flavors dramatically.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and keep the dish heart-healthy.
- For extra moisture, you can add a beaten egg to the mixture before baking, which helps bind the ingredients.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the stuffing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, making holiday meal prep easier!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
