Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing Recipe - Vegetarian Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing is a delicious and savory side dish that is perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. Made with Italian chestnuts, onions, celery, and a blend of herbs and spices, this stuffing is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

History

This recipe for Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing has been passed down through generations in Lucie's family. Originally created by Lucie's great-grandmother, this stuffing has been a staple at family gatherings for years. The combination of chestnuts and traditional stuffing ingredients creates a unique and flavorful dish that is loved by all who try it.

Ingredients

0.5 stick (0.25 cup) of butter
2 cups of peeled, cooked Italian chestnuts (roasted, boiled, or jarred)
1 large onion, finely chopped (1.5 cups)
3 small bell peppers (red, green, and orange), finely chopped (1.5 cups)
2 ribs of celery, finely chopped (1 cup)
2 14– to 16–ounce packages of unseasoned bread cubes
1.5 tsp of dried sage
1 tsp of dried rosemary
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of black pepper
0.25 tsp of paprika
0.33 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cups of vegetable broth

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chestnuts, onion, bell peppers, and celery, and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 7 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl.
2. Add the bread cubes and seasonings to the bowl, and toss to mix. Gradually add the broth, and toss to mix. The stuffing should be moist, but not wet.
3. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is browned and the stuffing is heated through.

Variations

Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier stuffing.
Mix in dried cranberries or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are softened but not mushy. This will ensure that the stuffing has the perfect texture.

- If you prefer a more moist stuffing, you can add additional broth to the mixture before baking.

- For a crispy top, uncover the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing pairs well with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing is to cook the vegetables until they are softened, but not mushy. This will ensure that the stuffing has the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Italian chestnuts, you can use regular chestnuts or chestnut puree as a substitute. You can also use any type of bread cubes or stuffing mix in place of the unseasoned bread cubes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or sage leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive and delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread cubes and may contain nuts from the chestnuts.

Summary

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing is a classic and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any special occasion. Made with Italian chestnuts, onions, celery, and a blend of herbs and spices, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling gently to the ground, and I found myself in the heart of a bustling farmers market. The fragrant scent of fresh baked bread and roasted chestnuts filled the air, and I couldn't resist following my nose to a small stall tucked away in the corner.

There, I met Lucie, a sweet elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a captivating smile. She was selling the most delicious looking chestnuts I had ever seen, and I couldn't resist buying a bag to take home. As I chatted with her, she shared with me her secret recipe for chestnut stuffing, a family tradition that had been passed down for generations.

Lucie explained that the key to her stuffing was using freshly roasted chestnuts, which added a rich and nutty flavor to the dish. She also added a medley of herbs and spices, including sage, thyme, and rosemary, to give it a savory and aromatic kick. As she spoke, I could practically taste the savory goodness of her chestnut stuffing, and I knew I had to try making it for myself.

I rushed home that day, eager to recreate Lucie's recipe in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed, including a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts, and set to work preparing the stuffing. The kitchen was filled with the heavenly aroma of herbs and spices as I mixed together the chestnuts, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, just as Lucie had instructed.

As the stuffing baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. When it was finally done, I took a bite and was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The chestnuts added a creamy richness to the dish, while the herbs and spices blended together perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends, and they were all amazed by the deliciousness of Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing. They marveled at how the chestnuts added a unique twist to a classic dish, and begged me to make it for every holiday gathering from then on.

Over the years, I have continued to make Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing for my loved ones, always remembering the moment I first stumbled upon the recipe at that farmers market. Lucie's spirit lives on in every bite of the stuffing, reminding me of the power of sharing traditions and recipes with those we hold dear.

As I pass on Lucie's recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope they too will feel the magic and joy that comes from creating something delicious and meaningful in the kitchen. And who knows, maybe one day they will stumble upon a recipe as special as Lucie's Chestnut Stuffing, and carry on the tradition for generations to come.