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Best Easy Quinoa Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

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This quinoa cranberry stuffing is a reinvention of the classic holiday side dish. It’s naturally gluten-free, quick to make, and packed with nutty quinoa, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a lighter yet soul-soothing comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil or butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 large celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup (80g) dried cranberries
  • ½ cup (60g) pecans or walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Toast the quinoa: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until it smells nutty and starts to pop. Add the broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
  2. Cook the quinoa: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until onion is translucent and celery is softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine the flavors: Add chopped sage and thyme to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds. Add dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Stir together. If using maple syrup, add it now. Let cranberries plump for about 2 minutes.
  5. Mix the stuffing: Add the fluffed quinoa to the skillet. Gently fold everything together with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If dry, add a splash more broth or olive oil. If wet, cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in fresh parsley if using. Transfer to a serving bowl or casserole dish. For a crunchy top, transfer to a baking dish, dot with butter, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Notes

Toast the quinoa first for best flavor. Toast nuts separately to avoid burning. Season in layers for complex flavor. Can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of broth. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa stuffing, cranberry stuffing, gluten-free stuffing, Thanksgiving side, holiday recipe, easy stuffing

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/best-easy-quinoa-cranberry-stuffing-recipe/