(Almost) your momma’s stuffing!
Everyone has their own idea of what perfect stuffing is. And some folks even refuse to call it stuffing, calling it dressing instead. It only takes a few attempts at eating or creating stuffing to decide which is your favorite version. Often, it has to do with memories. Do you remember a favorite stuffing you enjoyed for special holidays when you were young? I’m not sure what came first, the favorite memory of the food, or of the gathering. But it all seems to go together to create fond memories that involve food!
You’re going to love creating your own version of this vegan stuffing. It’s extremely customizable, just like any other stuffing. And, it’s possible to reverse the vegan options back to animal-based products, if you’d like.
This is an inexpensive dish that’s high on comfort food quality. A few basic ingredients, or even what’s on hand in the pantry, can be transformed into a delicious side dish worthy of any table.
Is This Vegan Stuffing Healthy?
As written, this recipe is healthier than many stuffing recipes, as the vegan swaps are low in all of the undesirables, such as fat and sugar. Green lentils, which are one of the star ingredients here, are full of nutrients like iron, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins. One thing worth noting is that this recipe is super customizable, so it can become more or less healthy depending on how you modify it.
What Are The Possible Additions?
Some people get a little fancy with their stuffing additions, and why not? Some of the fancier options include pecans, dried cranberries, shiitake mushrooms, and shallots. Oysters are a fancy option, but they aren’t vegan. The one that brings me back to my Mom’s dining room table involves chopped celery and onions, dry bread cubes, a dash of paprika, and poultry seasoning. Hers was not fancy, but then she had a small army to feed. It was very comforting!
How to Make Ahead and Store
This vegan stuffing is easy to make a day ahead and keep covered in the fridge until it’s time to cook. You could also freeze it. It is easy to reheat, too (just thaw first if frozen), and it’s actually a tradition in many households to make way too much and have plenty to reheat over the next few days. Some folks — not saying who — tend to reheat it all in one casserole dish right along with the mashed potatoes and gravy and green bean casserole that are traditionally served with it at Thanksgiving.
Serving Suggestions
Build a meal around stuffing! This version provides a bit of protein, veggies, and carbs, so it’s easy to round out with soup, salad, and a dessert. Try serving alongside some 4-Ingredient Potato Soup, and substitute in non-dairy butter and milk to keep the meal vegan. A delicious salad to pair could be something like this Vegan Broccoli Salad. And to finish, Grandma’s Apple Dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf whole-grain bread cubed and dried overnight (approximately 9 cups)
- 3/4 cup green lentils uncooked
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white onions diced
- 3/4 cup celery diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 2 1/2 tablespoons water
- 3/4 teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Dry the cubed whole-grain bread overnight in a large bowl until it has the texture of day-old bread.
- Cook the green lentils in 1 1/2 cups of water until tender, about 20-30 minutes, then set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Prepare a flax egg by combining flaxseed meal with water and set aside.
- Sauté onions and celery in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Combine the dried bread cubes with most of the vegetable broth, cooked vegetables, flax egg, cooked lentils, and dried sage. Adjust the consistency as needed to be moist but not soggy.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the top is browned and crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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