Lithuanian Pan Stuffing

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing Recipe

Region / culture: Lithuania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing is a traditional dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering or family meal. This hearty and flavorful stuffing is made with a combination of crackers, fresh bread, ground pork, onions, celery, and eggs. It is a delicious side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.

History

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing has been a staple in Lithuanian cuisine for generations. This recipe has been passed down from family to family, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish. The combination of savory pork, aromatic onions, and crunchy crackers creates a delicious and comforting stuffing that is sure to be a hit at any meal.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of crackers
10 slices of fresh bread
1 lb (454 g) of lean ground pork
1 large onion, diced
0.5 cup of chopped celery
0.25 cup of butter
6 eggs
1 or 2 cans of chicken broth (2 cans if bread is not fresh)

How to prepare

Crush the crackers and break the bread, then set them aside.
Fry the pork until it is no longer pink.
Saute the onions and celery in butter.
Beat the eggs and mix all the ingredients together, including the chicken broth.
Put the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan and bake it at 350°F (177°C) in a preheated oven for 1 hour.

Variations

Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
Use ground beef or sausage instead of pork for a different flavor profile.
Mix in herbs such as sage, thyme, or rosemary for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the crackers and break the bread into small pieces for the perfect texture in the stuffing.

- Sauteing the onions and celery in butter adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that the stuffing is well combined.

- Baking the stuffing in a greased pan at 350°F (177°C) ensures that it cooks evenly and develops a crispy top.

Serving Suggestions

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing pairs well with roasted meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork. It can also be served alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pork until it is no longer pink to ensure that it is fully cooked.

- Saute the onions and celery until they are soft and translucent for the best flavor.

- Mix the ingredients together gently to avoid overmixing the stuffing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free crackers and bread for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

- Use margarine or oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover the pan with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lithuanian Pan Stuffing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lithuanian Pan Stuffing with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Lithuanian Pan Stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stuffing in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lithuanian Pan Stuffing contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lithuanian Pan Stuffing contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lithuanian Pan Stuffing contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lithuanian Pan Stuffing contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the crackers and bread. It may also contain dairy from the butter and eggs.

Summary

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lithuanian Pan Stuffing is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any holiday meal or family gathering. This traditional recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve this flavorful stuffing alongside your favorite roasted meats for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a sunny day in the early spring, and I was visiting a dear friend of mine who had recently returned from a trip to Lithuania. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she excitedly pulled out a tattered old recipe book that she had picked up at a local market in Vilnius.

"This recipe for Lithuanian Pan Stuffing has been passed down through generations in my family," she explained, her eyes shining with pride. "I thought you might enjoy trying it out."

I eagerly accepted the recipe, grateful for the opportunity to learn a new dish from a different culture. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel a sense of curiosity and excitement building within me. The combination of flavors and textures seemed so unique and intriguing, I couldn't wait to give it a try.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following the recipe carefully. As the aroma of onions, mushrooms, and herbs filled the air, I felt a sense of connection to a distant land and a rich culinary tradition.

The dish turned out even better than I had hoped. The flavors were complex and comforting, the perfect balance of savory and sweet. As I sat down to enjoy a steaming plate of the stuffing, I couldn't help but feel proud of myself for successfully recreating a taste of Lithuania in my own home.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness and asked for the recipe.

But more than just a recipe, this dish has become a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for exploring new flavors and cuisines. It has taught me the importance of tradition and heritage, and the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that first encounter with the Lithuanian Pan Stuffing recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friend who introduced me to it and the journey it has taken me on. It is a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brings into my life, and a testament to the beauty of sharing and preserving culinary traditions across borders and generations.

So whenever I make this dish, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude, knowing that each bite is a celebration of the rich tapestry of flavors and stories that make up the world of food. And I hope that, in sharing this recipe with you, I can pass on a little piece of that joy and connection to you as well.