Stuffing
Stuffing, also known as dressing, is a Thanksgiving tradition that involves a flavorful bread stuffing made with a variety of ingredients, typically including bread cubes, butter, chopped onion, celery, apples, dried cranberries, and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, butter, onion, celery, apples, cranberries, pecans, broth, water, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or green onions.
- Include chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, mint, or sage.
- Top the stuffing with a layer of foil for the first part of cooking, then remove the foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
- Serve the stuffing as a side dish or as part of a Thanksgiving turkey platter.
Tips:
- Use stale bread for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the stuffing, or it will become tough.
- Cook the stuffing until it is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the stuffing with a side of gravy or other Thanksgiving sides.
FAQs
What is the meaning of stuffing?
Stuffing refers to a mixture of seasoned ingredients, typically bread, herbs, and spices, used to fill the cavity of meat, poultry, or vegetables before cooking.
What is an example of stuffing?
An example of stuffing is the bread-based mixture often used inside a turkey for Thanksgiving. It can include bread crumbs, onions, celery, and seasonings like sage and thyme.
What is the meaning of stuffed food?
Stuffed food refers to dishes where ingredients, such as vegetables or meats, are filled with a stuffing mixture before cooking. For example, stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and meat.
Why is the food called stuffing?
It is called stuffing because the mixture is typically “stuffed” inside meat or vegetables before cooking. When cooked separately, it’s sometimes referred to as dressing.