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Cranberry Apple Quinoa Stuffing for Every Holiday Table

Cranberry Apple Quinoa Stuffing


  • Author: Samantha Jones
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Description

Elevate your holiday table with this vibrant, protein-rich alternative to traditional bread stuffing. This sophisticated dish features fluffy, nutty quinoa combined with the tart crunch of fresh cranberries and sweet, crisp apples. It is a perfect, gluten-free centerpiece that balances complex flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleasing option for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike during festive celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, diced
1.5 cups fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth


Instructions

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the quinoa to the pan and toast for three minutes until lightly fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
Simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the grain tails have popped.
Heat the remaining butter in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced apples and cook until slightly softened.
Stir in the chopped cranberries, brown sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until the fruit is tender and caramelized.
Fold the cooked quinoa into the fruit mixture and toss gently to combine.

Notes

Ensure the quinoa is thoroughly rinsed to remove the bitter natural saponin coating. This dish can be served warm immediately or made in advance and reheated. If it appears too dry, add a small splash of additional vegetable broth before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Modern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg