Bulgur Stuffing with Dried Cranberries & Hazelnuts

From EatingWell: Fall 2002, The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004) — Subscribe Now!

For a change of pace from traditional bread stuffing, try this elegant, nutty-tasting pilaf, which features quick-cooking whole-grain bulgur.

Bulgur Stuffing with Dried Cranberries & Hazelnuts Recipe

10 servings, 3/4 cup each

Active Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups chopped onions, (2 large)
1 cup chopped celery, (2-3 stalks)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups bulgur, rinsed (see Ingredient note)
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup chopped hazelnuts, (2 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, cinnamon and allspice; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add bulgur and stir for a few seconds. Add broth, bay leaf and salt; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the bulgur is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine dried cranberries and orange juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 minutes. (Alternatively, bring dried cranberries and orange juice to a simmer in a small saucepan on the stovetop and remove from heat.) Set aside to plump.
Toast hazelnuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until light golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. When the bulgur is ready, discard the bay leaf. Add the cranberries, toasted hazelnuts, parsley and pepper; fluff with a fork.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: The stuffing will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and add 1/2 cup water. Cover and microwave on high for 10 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, bake at 350Â°f for 25 to 30 minutes.)

Ingredient note: Fiber-rich bulgur is made from whole-wheat kernels that are precooked, dried and cracked. Virtually a whole-grain convenience food, bulgur cooks in less than 20 minutes. You can find it in health-food stores and some large supermarkets.
To stuff a turkey, prepare the recipe and let cool completely. Place about 5 cups of the stuffing loosely in turkey cavities; heat the remainder separately.

Nutrition

Per serving: 210 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 2 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 7 g fiber; 114 mg sodium; 269 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: 11 mg Vitamin C (27% dv), 64 mg Magnesium (16% dv).

2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat