Golden Orzo Spinach Stuffing: A Flavorful Twist on Thanksgiving Tradition 🌟

Orzo & Spinach Stuffing Recipe

🕒 Cook Time: 40 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🥘 Yield: 6 cups

Description:

Looking to switch up your Thanksgiving spread? This Orzo & Spinach Stuffing recipe offers a delightful departure from the traditional cornbread stuffing, bringing a burst of flavor and texture to your holiday table. With the freshness of spinach, the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the subtle citrus notes of lemon, this stuffing is sure to be a hit, whether stuffed inside your turkey or served as a side dish. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 1/4 teaspoons grated fresh lemon rind
• 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1/2 cup pine nuts

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by chopping the green onions and mincing the garlic. Thaw the frozen chopped spinach and drain any excess liquid.

2. Cook Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped green onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and translucent.

3. Prepare Spinach Mixture: To the skillet, add the thawed and drained chopped spinach along with the sugar. Cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the spinach is heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated.

4. Cook Orzo: In a separate large saucepan, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, grated fresh lemon rind, and dried marjoram. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the orzo is tender, which should take about 10 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon juice, raisins, and pine nuts, followed by the cooked spinach mixture from the skillet. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

6. Stuff or Bake: You have two options for cooking the stuffing:

   • Stuffing: If you’re stuffing a turkey or chicken, spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavity of the bird before roasting.
   • Baking Dish: Alternatively, if you prefer to bake the stuffing separately, spoon it into a lightly buttered 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.

7. Bake: If baking the stuffing in a separate dish, cover it and bake in a preheated moderate oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, or until heated through.

8. Final Touch: For a deliciously crispy top, uncover the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of baking and continue baking until the top is golden brown and slightly crusty.

9. Serve: Once done, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving alongside your favorite main dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 254.7
• Fat: 7.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 266.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3.4g
  • Sugar: 9.2g
• Protein: 9.1g

Recipe Notes:

• Customization: Feel free to customize this stuffing recipe to your liking by adding additional ingredients such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage for extra flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking from cold.
• Leftovers: Any leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

This Orzo & Spinach Stuffing recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic holiday favorite, bringing together wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey or enjoying it as a standalone side dish, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!