Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Lithuania

Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing

Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Lithuania
Region / culture: Lithuania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing
Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing

Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing is a traditional dish that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a comforting and hearty meal. This recipe is easy to make and full of delicious flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Lithuania, where it is a staple dish during the holiday season. The combination of saltines, butter, onions, and eggs creates a rich and flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or poultry.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Crumble saltines into fine crumbs.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan.
  3. Add onions to soften and turn clear.
  4. Heat 2 cups of milk (skim off fat) or use low-fat milk.
  5. In a large bowl, combine crumbs, milk, and melted butter.
  6. Mix well and beat in eggs.
  7. Pour the batter into a large flat Corningware dish.
  8. Bake covered in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Variations

  • Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier version of this stuffing.
  • Mix in chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
  • Use different types of crackers or bread crumbs for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crumble the saltines into fine crumbs for the best texture.

- Be sure to melt the butter before adding the onions to ensure they cook evenly.

- Mixing the crumbs, milk, and butter well before adding the eggs will help create a smooth batter.

- Baking the stuffing covered for most of the cooking time will help keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stuffing alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking this stuffing covered for most of the cooking time will help keep it moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have saltines, you can use any type of plain cracker or bread crumbs in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this stuffing ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this stuffing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stuffing with a side of cranberry sauce and green beans for a classic holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the saltines and eggs.

Summary

Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing is a delicious and hearty dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying comfort food.

Summary

Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a hearty meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling outside and the scent of spices filled the air. I was visiting my dear friend Olga, who was known for her incredible culinary skills. As soon as I walked into her warm and inviting kitchen, I knew something special was in store.

Olga greeted me with a smile and a hug, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear," she said as she handed me a worn and stained piece of paper. "It's a family recipe for Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing that has been passed down for generations. I think you will love it."

I eagerly scanned the recipe, taking in each ingredient and step with a sense of reverence. The recipe called for simple ingredients - butter, onions, celery, parsley, salt, pepper, and of course, crackers. But it was the method of preparation that intrigued me the most. Olga explained that the crackers needed to be soaked in milk and then mixed with the sautéed vegetables to create a rich and flavorful stuffing.

As I watched Olga expertly prepare the dish, I was struck by how effortlessly she moved around the kitchen. Her hands worked with precision and grace, as if guided by some unseen force. She shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl. I could sense the love and tradition that went into each step of the cooking process.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing was finally ready. The aroma that wafted from the oven was intoxicating, a blend of buttery goodness and savory herbs. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took a bite of the stuffing and was transported to another world. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of nostalgia that warmed my heart. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a taste of tradition that I could pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made the Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing countless times, always with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that fateful day in Olga's kitchen, and the gift of friendship and culinary wisdom that she bestowed upon me. I am grateful for the bond we share and the memories we have created together over a simple dish of stuffing.

As I sit here now, writing this story for my grandchildren to read, I can only hope that they will feel the same sense of joy and wonder that I experienced when I first learned to make this cherished recipe. May they carry on the tradition with love and reverence, just as I have done for so many years. And may the spirit of Olga and her Lithuanian Cracker Stuffing live on in our hearts and kitchens forever.

Categories

| Cracker Crumb Recipes | Egg Recipes | Lithuanian Recipes | Lithuanian Vegetarian | Milk And Cream Recipes | Onion Recipes | Stuffing Recipes |

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