Description

This Apricot & Pistachio Stuffing is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as a festive side dish. Caramelized onions, garlic, tangy dried apricots, and crunchy pistachios are combined with sourdough breadcrumbs and fragrant sage, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with crispy sage leaves and a buttery drizzle, this stuffing offers a beautiful texture and vibrant taste that complements any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stuffing:

2 tbsp olive oil
70g unsalted butter (divided)
3 large onions, finely sliced
3 large garlic cloves, crushed
500g loaf sourdough bread
90g pistachios, roughly chopped (divided)
2 tbsp finely chopped sage, plus a few whole leaves
100g dried apricots, finely chopped
5 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Warm 2 tbsp olive oil and 40g of unsalted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and fry gently for 15-20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic: Add the crushed garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, then remove the pan from heat.
Prepare Bread Crumbs: Transfer the onion and garlic mixture into a large mixing bowl to cool slightly. Meanwhile, place half the sourdough bread into a food processor and blitz until it forms a fine crumb. Tear the remaining half of the bread into small pieces and add to the bowl with the onion mixture.
Combine Ingredients: Mix in 60g of the chopped pistachios, the finely chopped sage, dried apricots, and the beaten eggs. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture into a shallow 30 x 20cm baking dish and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crunchy. Check after 10 minutes and cover with foil if it is browning too quickly.
Prepare Sage Butter Topping: While the stuffing bakes, melt the remaining 30g of butter in a frying pan. Add the whole sage leaves and fry until crisp and fragrant.
Finish and Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and drizzle the sage butter over the top. Scatter the remaining pistachios and crispy sage leaves on top just before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Notes

The stuffing can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept in the fridge before baking.
Use good quality sourdough bread for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste depending on saltiness of bread and pistachios.
For a nut-free version, omit pistachios and substitute with extra bread crumbs or seeds.
This recipe pairs well with roasted poultry, pork, or as a vegetarian centerpiece.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Keywords: stuffing, apricot stuffing, pistachio stuffing, baked stuffing, vegetarian stuffing, Christmas side dish, festive recipe