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Bowl of gluten-free quinoa stuffing with fresh herbs, pecans, and cranberries - a gut-friendly Thanksgiving side dish

Quinoa Stuffing with Herbs and Pecans

A gluten-free, protein-rich alternative to
traditional bread stuffing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Quinoa Base
  • - 2 cups white quinoa rinsed thoroughly
  • - 4 cups bone broth or vegetable broth
  • - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the Veggies
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 2 medium carrots finely diced
  • - 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • - 1 cup diced fennel bulb optional, can replace with extra celery
  • - 2 tablespoons fresh sage finely chopped
  • - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • - 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pecan Mixture
  • - 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
  • - 1 cup dried cranberries sugar-free if possible
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped

Method
 

For the Quinoa
  1. Rinse quinoa in fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear.
  2. In large saucepan, combine:
  3. - Rinsed quinoa
  4. - Broth
  5. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer.
  7. Cook covered for 18-20 minutes until:
  8. - Liquid is absorbed
  9. - Quinoa is tender
  10. - Spiral germs have released
  11. Let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.
Preparing Veggies
  1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add carrots, celery, and fennel (if using).
  3. Sauté 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cook additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Toasting Pecans
  1. In dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Remove from heat, toss with:
  3. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. - Rosemary
  5. - Pinch of salt
Assembly
  1. In large bowl, combine:
  2. - Cooked quinoa
  3. - Sautéed vegetables
  4. - Toasted pecans
  5. - Dried cranberries
  6. - Remaining tablespoon olive oil
  7. Toss gently to combine.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings.