Savory Quinoa Stuffing with Caramelized Leeks, Toasted Walnuts, and Dried Cherries
This hearty Savory Quinoa Stuffing is a delightful gluten-free alternative to traditional bread stuffing. Packed with the sweet and nutty flavors of caramelized leeks, toasted walnuts, and dried cherries, this dish adds a unique twist to any holiday meal or family gathering. The quinoa not only acts as a nutritious base but also absorbs the rich flavors of vegetable or chicken broth. With a blend of aromatic seasonings and a satisfying texture, you’ll find that this stuffing appeals to both health-conscious diners and those looking for comfort food. Whether you stick to the original recipe with dried cherries or substitute with cranberries, this stuffing will surely become a holiday favorite for everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (Rinsed)
chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups (Fat-free, less-sodium)
cooking spray
as needed (for spraying skillet)
butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
leeks
2 cups (Thinly sliced (about 3/4 pound))
celery
1/2 cup (Chopped)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
dried cherries
3/4 cup (Coarsely chopped)
walnuts
1/4 cup (Toasted and chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, spray with cooking spray and add the butter. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and begins to foam.
3
Add the thinly sliced leeks and chopped celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks and celery are tender and beginning to caramelize.
4
Stir in the freshly ground black pepper, dried sage, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed.
6
Return the entire mixture to the skillet and heat through for a few minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired, keeping in mind that you can add salt if needed, based on personal preference.
7
Serve warm as a side dish or stuffing for your favorite holiday meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Quinoa Stuffing with Caramelized Leeks, Toasted Walnuts, and Dried Cherries?
It is a hearty, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread stuffing that features sweet and nutty flavors from leeks, walnuts, and cherries.
Is this stuffing recipe gluten-free?
Yes, because it uses quinoa as a base instead of bread, this stuffing is naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian if you choose to use vegetable broth.
How much quinoa do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of rinsed quinoa.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing the quinoa under cold water helps to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
What liquid is used to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa is cooked in 2 cups of fat-free, less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
It takes about 15 minutes of simmering for the quinoa to become fluffy and absorb all the liquid.
How many leeks are required for the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of thinly sliced leeks, which is approximately 3/4 pound.
What other vegetables are included in the mixture?
In addition to leeks, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped celery and 4 minced garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the leeks and celery?
Sauté them for about 10 minutes until they are tender and beginning to caramelize.
What spices provide the savory flavor?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of dried rubbed sage.
When do I add the garlic to the skillet?
Add the minced garlic after the leeks and celery have sautéed for 10 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
What fruit is used in this stuffing recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped dried cherries.
Can I substitute the dried cherries with something else?
Yes, the description suggests that dried cranberries are a great substitute for the cherries.
What kind of nuts are used in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of toasted and chopped walnuts.
Is butter used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter is used to sauté the vegetables.
Do I need cooking spray?
Yes, cooking spray is used to prepare the skillet before adding the butter and vegetables.
How do I combine the cooked quinoa and vegetables?
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetables, then fold in the cherries and walnuts.
Should the stuffing be heated after mixing?
Yes, return the entire mixture to the skillet and heat it through for a few minutes over medium heat.
How is this stuffing served?
It should be served warm, either as a side dish or as a stuffing for a main holiday course.
Can I add extra salt to the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning and add salt based on your personal preference.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, fiber-rich dish that appeals to health-conscious diners.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using fat-free, less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the quinoa and combine it with broth in a medium pot to boil.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
There are 4 minced garlic cloves included in this dish.
How do I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be toasted and then chopped before being added to the stuffing.
What is the texture of the finished stuffing?
The stuffing has a satisfying texture with fluffy quinoa and crunchy toasted walnuts.
Can this be used for holiday meals?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a unique twist for holiday meals or family gatherings.
Is the sage used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried rubbed sage.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this Savory Quinoa Stuffing.