Christmas stuffings are a great and easy side-dish for your family lunches and dinners. This one is a plant-based take on the traditional favourite, using shiitake mushrooms and fennel to give it that delicious meaty flavour.
Prep 30 min · Cook 0 min
Preheat oven to 200°C
Slice squash into quarters and then half each piece so that you have 8 large chunks
Quarter the onions and add all to a roasting dish
Drizzle with olive oil and add your spices, 2 tsp fennel seeds, coriander, nutmeg, salt and pepper
Toss well and place in the oven for approx 40 minutes or until soft
In the meantime add shiitake mushrooms to a bowl and cover with boiling water to soften for 10 minutes
Chop up the walnuts, pumpkin seeds and dried fruit and add to a pan on medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil and toast gently until nuts are golden
Add to a large bowl
Drain mushrooms and add to food processor
Blend on high speed for a few seconds until you have a mince
Cut toasted bread with hands and add to food processor with your mushrooms and a drizzle of olive oil, 1 tsp fennel seeds, garlic and season with salt and pepper
Then blend everything on high speed until you have a fluffy crumb-like consistency
Add to the bowl and mix with your toasted nuts
Remove your roasted squash from the oven and smash with a wooden spoon
Combine everything together and mix well
Line a roasting dish with greaseproof paper and add your stuffing mixture
Drizzle with olive oil and then cover with another piece of greaseproof paper
Using some string tie either end of the dish to keep the paper on top steady
Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the paper on the top to get a crispy surface and bake for a further 15-20 minutes
Use the paper to remove from the dish and slice
herbsA premium, hand-selected, gourmet mushroom. Being a native mushroom from Eastern Asia they are very popular in Asian dishes. They can be added to soups, stir fry dishes, rice dishes, casseroles. Simply leave to soak in hot water for 20 mins to hydrate and use the remaining water as stock in your cooking. They are high in fibre, zinc and B vitamins. Store dried shiitake mushrooms in an airtight container, and in a cool, dry place.
seedsAlso known as pumpkin seeds, pepitas are an excellent source of protein and minerals. They contain high levels of vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, and dietary fibre. they also contain antioxidants to help to reduce inflammation and remove toxins and free radicals from the body. Pepitas are a versatile seed used in granolas, muffins or salads. You can pan toast in a dry pan, low heat, until they start to become fragrant, to add extra crunch and flavour. Store in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place.
dried fruitRich in beta carotene, vitamin C, iron, folate, potassium and magnesium. Naturally contain melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that helps regulate natural sleep patterns. Preservative and additive-free.
oilsOur extra virgin olive oil is cold pressed straight after harvest to ensure optimal flavour & freshness from olives grown country Victoria. This multi-purpose fruity oil is perfect for drizzling, dressings, dipping and cooking, a very useful “all-rounder” in the kitchen. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, omega-3 and 6. Free from cholesterol, preservatives or additives. Store in a cool, dry place in your pantry.
spicesPink Himalayan Salt is made from rock crystals of salt that have been mined from areas close to the Himalayas. It is one of the purest salts available and contains a range of 83 natural minerals, which cause the pink hue. Himalayan rock salt has a wide range of uses from everyday table salt, food preparation and presentation, decorative lamps and spa treatments. This type of salt is naturally organic but since it is over 85 million years old it is difficult to certify it as 'Organic' as modern organic certification is examined from the very beginning of harvesting so it would be impossible in this case, however, we know it is pure as harvesting with chemicals did not exist that long ago. Himalayan rock salt increases hydration, can help balance pH levels (acids/alkalines) and help to reduce acid reflux, prevent and aid muscle cramping, improve circulation and help detoxify the body from heavy metals. Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
nutsAustralian walnuts rich in omega 3 fatty acids, powerful antioxidants, high in protein, magnesium, and phosphorus. Excellent for brain health and memory. High in protein and energy-boosting, heart-healthy fats. May be enjoyed as a snack on their own or added to most culinary delights.
