Thanksgiving Plant-Based Stuffing

This stuffing is a wonderful way to augment your Thanksgiving celebration. This loaf will win praises from both your Vegan and Omnivore friends. This stuffing/loaf makes a fabulous side dish for any meal. Dr John

Prep and Cooking Time 60 minutes
Serves 8> or maybe more 😊

Ingredients:
  • 15oz [dry weight] breadcrumbs (1 ½ standard 12 oz boxes of dry stuffing bread crumbs)
  • 1 ½ cups or more diced yellow or red onion (about 1 large onion)
  • 2 minced garlic cloves– or 1 tsp pre-minced garlic
  • 1 ½ cups diced celery
  • 2 Tbsp ground flax seed
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary- or 2 tsp ground rosemary
  • 1/3 cup packed fresh chopped Basil-most reasonably priced at Asian markets [Optional in recipe]
  • 1 ½ tsp ground sage (May use less sage if the loaf is not to be used for Thanksgiving.)
  • ½ tsp ground fennel seed
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 15 turns of a peppermill [about ½ tsp]
  • 1 14oz can cooked zucchini in tomatoes (or 2 cups diced zucchini squash and ¾ cup diced tomatoes; or use one can each of crushed tomatoes and cooked zucchini)
  • 1 cup of vegetable broth or water- add more water for desired for a very moist consistency but still capable of forming a loaf shape
  • 1 tbsp of Sambal Oelek or Sriracha hot pepper sauce
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce- or use coconut aminos, or low sodium tamari
  • ¼ cup yellow or dijon mustard
  • 1 cup of chopped dried fruit (like currents, cranberries, mango, raisins, figs, prunes, or papaya) [Optional]
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or other favored true nuts
Make Recipe

Preheat Oven to 350 F

  1. Add all of the dry ingredients together in a very large bowl; and hand- mix as you go. You may wish to wear gloves for this.
  2. Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and fruit and mix again
  3. Add water (begin with 1 cup), oil and other wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly with your hands pressing them together to crush the bread crumbs between your fingers.
    Note: Add more water conscientiously to make it very moist but still able to hold the shape as a loaf.
  4. Place mixed ingredients into about an 9”x13” nonstick or parchment covered casserole baking dish. Mold into a smooth football shaped loaf.
  5. Bake for about 45 minutes or longer until a fork comes out clean and the loaf is firm.

Cooks Note: If the mixture is a little too moist to hold a good shape, you may add dry breadcrumbs or a small amount of old-fashioned oatmeal, and mix again. Dr John
Serve warm or at room temperature
Storage: 1 week in refrigeration or up to 3 months in freezer.