Mushroom And Brown Rice "Stuffing"
A hearty mushroom and brown rice stuffing infused with herbs, walnuts, and raisins, perfect for vegetarians or as a flavorful side dish for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 6 c. beef broth or bouillon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped scallions (green onions) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sage leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 3 c. brown rice, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. golden raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse, pat dry, and slice the mushrooms, yielding about 11 cups.
- In a large saucepot, melt one-third of the butter.
- Add about one-third of the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the sautéed mushrooms with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Repeat the melting, sautéing, and removing process two more times with the remaining butter and mushrooms.
- Return all the cooked mushrooms to the saucepot.
- Add beef broth, salt, thyme, sage, and black pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in walnuts, raisins, and scallions; simmer until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Spoon the mushroom and rice mixture into the cavity of a prepared bird or serve as a side.
- Roast as per your favorite directions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter. Consider adding other herbs like rosemary or parsley for additional flavor. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which can make the dish too sticky. If fresh mushrooms are unavailable, you can use dried mushrooms rehydrated in hot water.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing works wonderfully as a side dish alongside roasted meats or poultry. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Plantation Barbecue Sauce and can be served with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with Beef And Mushrooms Over Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mushroom And Brown Rice "Stuffing" contains roughly 943 calories, with 10g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 628mg per serving (27% 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 different types of rice for this recipe?
While brown rice is recommended for its nutty flavor and texture, you can experiment with other varieties like wild rice or a long-grain white rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as different rice types have varying cooking requirements.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom and rice mixture a day in advance. Simply cook everything as directed, let it cool, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of broth to loosen it up if necessary.
What can I substitute for walnuts in this recipe?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you could omit nuts altogether and add more mushrooms or vegetables for added texture.
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).