Description
These healthy stuffing balls are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional stuffing, blending the flavors of sautéed vegetables, dried apricots, chestnuts, and almonds. Coated with wholemeal bread and fresh herbs, they are baked to perfection, making them a perfect side dish or appetizer that is both wholesome and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 sticks celery, stringed and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Fruit and Nuts
- 15g dried apricots, roughly chopped
- 75g peeled chestnuts
- 75g almonds
Main Binding Ingredients
- 100g wholemeal bread, crusts removed and roughly torn (about 6 slices)
- large bunch parsley, chopped
- large pinch dried sage
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetable base: Heat the olive oil in a shallow saucepan over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté gently, keeping the ingredients sizzling, for about 15 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Combine ingredients in a processor: Transfer the softened vegetable mixture into a food processor. Add the dried apricots, peeled chestnuts, almonds, torn wholemeal bread, chopped parsley, dried sage, and a small pinch of salt if desired. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are finely chopped but not pureed.
- Bind with egg: Add the egg to the processor and pulse again just until everything is combined into a cohesive mixture suitable for shaping.
- Shape the stuffing balls: With wet hands to prevent sticking, roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls. Place these evenly spaced onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Bake to finish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan or gas mark 6). Bake the stuffing balls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through thoroughly.
- Storage tip: These stuffing balls freeze well for up to three months, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Notes
- To prevent sticking when shaping the balls, keep your hands wet or lightly oiled.
- You can substitute dried apricots with raisins or other dried fruits if preferred.
- For a nut-free version, omit chestnuts and almonds and add extra bread or cooked grains.
- Ensure bread crusts are removed to get a smoother texture in the stuffing balls.
- These stuffing balls make an excellent vegetarian side for roast dinners or can be enjoyed as a snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: healthy stuffing balls, vegetarian stuffing, baked stuffing balls, chestnut stuffing, holiday side dish, wholemeal bread stuffing
