Martha Stewart’s Fruit and Nut Stuffing is a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, especially for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. The combination of fruits, nuts, and savory elements creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Here’s a simplified version of her recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of white bread (or similar, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans (or walnuts)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast the bread cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and dry.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, sage, and thyme.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked onion and celery mixture. Add the dried cranberries, apricots, and toasted pecans. Mix gently to combine.
- Moisten the stuffing: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring to moisten the bread. Add the beaten egg and parsley (if using) and stir until the stuffing is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a buttered baking dish (9×13-inch). Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot as a side dish to your main meal.
This stuffing is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements, with the fruits adding natural sweetness and the nuts providing a satisfying texture. Enjoy!
