Vegetable Quinoa Stuffing

You won’t miss the bread in this delicious, super healthy, Vegetable Quinoa Stuffing.  It’s a great alternative to a typical stuffing or any side dish.

I was looking for a stuffing recipe or side dish for a Passover seder, ready to buy some matzo farfel or matzo meal as the foundation. Suddenly I remembered that quinoa is now acceptable during Passover since it is not actually a grain (much to my surprise).  I only discovered this last year.

So I decided to try a stuffing with quinoa instead of bread or matzo.  It turned out great!  I loaded it with vegetables, including little diced sweet potatoes, so it’s really healthy and filling enough to be served as a main dish for a vegetarian (like my daughter, the other kook).  I used the same seasonings used in most stuffing recipes – thyme and sage – and served it with sliced roast chicken and gravy.  Yum! And it only takes about 30 minutes to make.

I will definitely be making this again.  I’m now dreaming of variations – I’ve listed a few below. This stuffing would also be a perfect accompaniment to turkey, pork, fish or lamb.  And, as I mentioned, great on its own for the vegetarians at your table.

Tailor To Your Taste

• Use butternut squash instead of sweet potato
• Some great additions
  • 1-2 cups chopped mushrooms
  • raisins, chopped dates or prunes
  • diced fresh apple or mango – add just before serving
• Add some crunch with chopped canned water chestnuts
• For a non vegetarian version and smokey flavor, add diced hot dog or sausage while sauteing the vegetables
• uUse 1-2 teaspoons curry powder (with raisins) instead of sage and thyme

Shortcut for Quinoa Stuffing/Dressing

• To save time chopping and dicing, pulse vegetables in the processor a few times.

Make Ahead

• This recipe can be made ahead and warmed in the oven or microwave.

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Vegetable Quinoa Stuffing Recipe

You won't miss the bread in this delicious, super healthy, Vegetable Quinoa Stuffing.  It's a great alternative to a typical stuffing, dressing or any side dish.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Servings: 8 (or 10 smaller sides)

Author: Cheryl

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (3 cups)
• 2 red peppers, cored and diced (2 cups)
• 1 onion, diced (2 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, diced (1 1/2 cups)
• 2-3 cups chopped fresh spinach, stems removed
• 1 tsp EACH: salt, thyme, sage (or poultry seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup coursely chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

• MAKE QUINOA: Place rinsed quinoa, salt and water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Set aside.
• SAUTE VEGETABLES: While quinoa is cooking, in a large skillet, heat oil to medium high. Saute onion, sweet potatoes, celery, peppers for about 10-12 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add spinach, garlic and seasonings. Cook, stirring for another 2 minutes until spinach has wilted.
• FINISH STUFFING: Add quinoa and toss to combine well. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add a bit more oil if needed. Sprinkle nuts if using and serve immediately.

Notes

TO MAKE AHEAD: Cool stuffing and refrigerate for a day or two (leave out nuts if using and add just before serving). Warm in microwave for a few minutes, stirring in between - or in covered casserole dish in the oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Here are two other stuffing recipes you might like:

Homemade Vegetarian Stovetop Stuffing

Savoury Stuffing