Chesapeake Memories Sausage and Oyster Dressing with Red Quinoa and Crisp Apples Recipe (by )
This recipe takes me back to my Maryland Thanksgiving memories. Growing up on the Chesapeake, oysters were a big part of our celebration. This dish combines my family's traditional oyster dressing with spicy pork sausage and healthy red pearl quinoa, which gives the dressing a nutty texture--and beautiful color. Red apples provide color and a sweet, crisp finish. Omit the oysters, if you prefer, for a delicious sausage stuffing.
| Prep time: 20 Minutes |
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| Cook time: 30 Minutes | Servings: 8-12 |
Ingredients
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Directions
- In a large oven-proof chicken-fryer, saucepan or deep skillet with lid over medium-high heat, brown the sausage, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage from pan and set aside; reserve 1 T. fat and drippings. Reduce heat to medium; add 2 T. butter and scrape drippings loose from pan. Add herbs, pearl quinoa, onion, celery and bay leaf; sauté until quinoa starts to crackle and onion and celery begin to sweat, about 3 minutes. Return sausage to pan; add 1 3/4 c. chicken stock. Drain oyster liquor from oysters into pan with sausage mixture, and chop oysters into 1/2” pieces; add oysters to pan. Add lemon juice and zest; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender but firm. Remove bay leaf; check cooking liquid for seasoning.
- Meanwhile, toast English muffins until golden, then butter each half with equal portions remaining 4 T. butter, and cut muffins into 1/2” cubes; add muffins to liquid. Add sun-dried tomatoes. Stir mixture to moisten, adding more warm stock if needed; replace lid, turn heat to lowest setting and allow to warm for 5 minutes.
- Remove lid from dressing, add additional warm stock to moisten, if desired, and toss with diced apple and parsley. Check seasoning. Serve immediately or cover and place in a warm oven until ready to use.
- If stuffing a bird with dressing, proceed according to bird roasting instructions, placing leftover dressing in a greased casserole dish to pass. Bake casserole, covered, for at least 30 minutes at 350 degrees if raw poultry was in contact with dressing.
Goes Well With: Poultry, Pork, Green Salads, Fresh Fruit
Wine and Drink Pairings:
Semi-Dry White like Riesling
Chardonnay
Iced tea
cold beer
water with lemon
