Nutty Rice Stuffing Or Casserole
Nutty Rice Stuffing offers a flavorful blend of mushrooms, walnuts, and herbs, enhanced by sweet prunes and aromatic seasonings. Perfect as a stuffing or side dish, it pairs well with roasted poultry or as a hearty casserole, appealing to those who enjoy savory, nutty flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery with tops ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon chopped shallots ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons minced scallions ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon sage leaves ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, celery, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, scallions, and parsley in butter until limp.
- Add water chestnuts, walnuts, marjoram, thyme, and sage, and cook over low heat for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mix with cooked brown rice and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine the slightly beaten egg and chicken broth, then stir into the rice mixture along with the prunes if using.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Use as stuffing for a 4 to 5 pound roasting chicken or transfer to a 1 1/2-inch high roasting pan for casserole.
- Oil the top and bake until golden, approximately 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you want to make this dish nut-free, substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish; try adding some fresh thyme or rosemary. Ensure the rice is well-cooked but not mushy for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This nutty rice stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it a perfect side for holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with a side of Grandma's Chicken Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Rice Stuffing Or Casserole contains roughly 1961 calories, with 13g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 194g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (134% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1976mg per serving (86% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. When ready, you can stuff your chicken or bake it as a casserole.
What can I substitute for brown rice?
If you prefer a different grain, quinoa or wild rice can be great alternatives to brown rice. Both will provide a unique texture and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as they may vary from brown rice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the egg for a vegan version. This will still yield a delicious and hearty stuffing or casserole that everyone can enjoy.
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).