Fruit And Pinenut Stuffing Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the perfect mix of savory and sweet, creating a unique flavor profile with the dried apricots and golden raisins. Plus, it gives me all the cozy feels with its rich herbs and comforting aroma, making it a must-have at any get-together with friends or family.

I relish making distinctive dishes, and this Pinenut and Apricot Stuffing is a perfect example. The interplay of pinenuts and dried apricots provides a delightful texture and subtle sweetness, while fresh herbs like thyme and sage infuse each bite with flavor.

Added nutrition from golden raisins, onions, and garlic makes this stuffing not just delicious but also a wholesome and satisfying part of your meal.

Ingredients

Pine Nuts: Abundant in nutritious lipids and proteins, bestowing a nutty, buttery flavor.

Natural sweetness, lots of fiber, and plenty of vitamins: That’s what you get from dried apricots.

Golden Raisins: Increases the sweetness and natural energy with antioxidants.

Parsley: Delivers a clean, bright flavor; very high in vitamins.

Thyme that is fresh: Add depth and identity.

Sage: Earthy herb yielding delicate warmth and perfume.

Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats you can use.

It is ideal for sautéing and for using in any kind of application where you need to bring ingredients together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup pine nuts
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cubed stale bread
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

1. To prepare for baking, your oven should be set to 350°F (175°C).

2. A large skillet, the olive oil, and medium heat. The pine nuts, added next, should not sizzle or pop. They should not be in a hurry to brown. Stir them around and do not leave them alone. When they are golden and fragrant, remove them from the skillet, and don’t set them too far aside. They’re good to have close at hand.

3. In the same frying pan, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.

4. Add the chopped dried apricots and golden raisins, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

5. Chopped fresh parsley, thyme leaves, and sage go into the skillet next. These herbs add flavor and depth to the filling. We season everything with a generous pinch of salt and a good few grinds of black pepper before giving it a good stir.

6. Move the mixture of onions and fruit to a large mixing bowl. Transfer the mixture of onions and fruit to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the toasted pine nuts and mix well.

7. Fold in the stale bread that has been cubed, making certain that it is uniformly dispersed in the mixture.

8. Vegetable broth should be poured over the mixture of bread and other ingredients, and you should toss it gently until the liquid is absorbed and the bread is moistened.

9. Incorporate the beaten egg into the stuffing, making sure it is evenly distributed to help bind the mixture.

10. Move the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and place it back in the oven for 15 additional minutes. The top should be a golden brown. The stuffing can also be served as a main dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Stirring spoon
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Large mixing bowl
8. Baking dish
9. Aluminum foil
10. Whisk or fork (for beating the egg)

FAQ

• What type of bread should I use?Select a firm bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, to ensure it withstands the mixing with the other components well.
• Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?Indeed, the stuffing can be made the day before. Be sure to keep it cool in the refrigerator and bake it right before you present it at the table.
• Is there a substitute for pine nuts?Chopped walnuts or slivered almonds can be used as a substitute for pine nuts when they are not available.
• Can I make this stuffing vegan?Certainly: To make it vegan, leave out the egg and make sure the bread is vegan. You can add a flaxseed egg as a binding agent.
• What should I serve this stuffing with?This stuffing complements roasted poultry very well, and it can also stand alone as a main dish for a vegetarian meal.
• How can I prevent my stuffing from being too dry?Make sure that your cubes of bread are properly soaked with the vegetable broth, and alter the broth as necessary.
• Can I replace dried apricots with fresh fruit?Concentrated flavor and texture make dried fruits the preferred choice, but for a different taste, use fresh, chopped apples.

Substitutions and Variations

For a richer flavor, 1 tablespoon melted butter can be used in place of 1 tablespoon olive oil.
1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds can take the place of 1 cup pine nuts for a similar nutty texture.
1 cup dried apricots can be replaced with 1 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries for a tart twist.
If fresh thyme isn’t available, 1 teaspoon dried thyme can replace 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves.
1 cup vegetable broth can be substituted with 1 cup chicken broth for an option that is not vegetarian and has more depth of flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Toast with Care When toasting the pine nuts, keep a close eye on them and stir frequently to ensure even browning. Pine nuts can burn quickly due to their high oil content, so be vigilant and remove them from heat as soon as they are golden to prevent any bitterness.

2. Stale Bread Tip If you don’t have stale bread on hand, you can dry out fresh bread by cubing it and placing it in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 15 minutes. This will help it absorb the flavors of the stuffing without becoming mushy.

3. Balancing Flavors If you find the stuffing too sweet due to the dried apricots and raisins, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a small amount of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with a bit of acidity.

4. Herb Freshness For optimal flavor, add the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and sage) just before combining with the bread and liquids. This will preserve their bright, fresh taste in the final dish.

5. Moisture Control If the stuffing appears too dry after mixing in the broth, you can add a bit more broth or a splash of water before baking. Ensure the bread is moistened but not soggy to achieve the right texture. Adjust baking time if necessary to ensure the stuffing isn’t too dry or too wet.