Print

Flavorful Herbed Quinoa Stuffing with Apples and Walnuts

herbed quinoa stuffing - featured image
Print Recipe

A light and flavorful quinoa stuffing with fresh herbs, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall meal. This gluten-free recipe offers a nutritious alternative to traditional bread-based stuffing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 large apple (about 200g), diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and cook the quinoa: Place 1 cup (170g) of quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Toast the walnuts: While quinoa cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden. Remove immediately to prevent burning and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add apples and herbs: Stir in 1 large diced apple, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped sage, and 1 teaspoon thyme leaves. Cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape.
  5. Combine quinoa and veggies: Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the sautéed veggies and apples. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Season and finish: Drizzle 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the quinoa mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss in the toasted walnuts and stir to distribute evenly.
  7. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

If quinoa seems dry after cooking, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or olive oil for extra moisture. Watch walnuts closely when toasting to avoid burning. Apples should be tender but still crisp; avoid overcooking. For a baked variation, bake combined stuffing in a greased casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa stuffing, herbed quinoa, Thanksgiving stuffing, gluten-free stuffing, apple walnut stuffing, healthy stuffing, fall recipes

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-herbed-quinoa-stuffing-with-apples-and-walnuts-easy-recipe-for-thanksgiving/