Apricot And Walnut Brown Rice Stuffing
A flavorful and hearty stuffing combining sweet apricots, walnuts, and aromatic herbs, perfect for holiday meals or as a savory side dish for poultry or vegetarian options.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped dried apricots ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion and celery in margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp.
- Add cooked brown rice, chopped dried apricots, chopped walnuts, raisins, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, sage, black pepper, and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Turn the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- The stuffing may also be baked inside poultry.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onion and celery. If you prefer a sweeter stuffing, you can increase the amount of dried apricots or add a splash of orange juice. Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired. This stuffing pairs well with poultry, making it a great option for Thanksgiving or special occasions, similar to Poultry With Sage Dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious stuffing alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a festive meal. It also complements hearty sides like green beans or a fresh salad. For a twist, try it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. This dish can be a lovely addition to any holiday spread, akin to classic chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot And Walnut Brown Rice Stuffing contains roughly 535 calories, with 9g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1692mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, using brown rice is a great choice as it adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just ensure it's fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water, and use olive oil instead of margarine for a completely vegetarian dish.
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).