Healthier Thanksgiving Sourdough Stuffing Recipe Highlighting Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

### Healthier Thanksgiving Sourdough Stuffing Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Thanksgiving is a moment for family, thankfulness, and certainly, scrumptious meals. A staple dish on the holiday spread is stuffing. This year, enhance your Thanksgiving celebration with a healthier version of traditional stuffing by incorporating sourdough bread, caramelized onions, and mushrooms. This recipe not only boosts the taste but also includes nourishing ingredients that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and joyful.

#### Ingredients

– **For the Stuffing:**
– 1 loaf of whole grain sourdough bread (approximately 1 pound), diced into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 medium onions, sliced thinly
– 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium)
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
– 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

#### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Sourdough Bread:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sourdough bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden and slightly crisp. This step helps avoid a mushy stuffing.

2. **Caramelize the Onions:**
– In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Introduce the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they reach a golden brown and are caramelized. This method enhances the onions’ sweetness, adding richness to the stuffing.

3. **Sauté the Mushrooms:**
– Incorporate the sliced mushrooms into the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.

4. **Combine Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, blend the toasted sourdough bread cubes, onion and mushroom mixture, vegetable broth, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until the bread is well-coated with the ingredients. If the stuffing appears too dry, drizzle in a bit more vegetable broth.

5. **Bake the Stuffing:**
– Move the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown and crisp.

6. **Serve:**
– After baking, take the stuffing out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This healthier sourdough stuffing complements turkey and other Thanksgiving fare perfectly.

#### Nutritional Benefits

– **Sourdough Bread:** The fermentation in sourdough aids in digestion and may enhance gut health. Whole grain sourdough also offers more fiber and nutrients compared to conventional white bread.

– **Onions and Mushrooms:** Both ingredients boast a wealth of antioxidants and vitamins. Onions are recognized for their anti-inflammatory benefits, whereas mushrooms deliver essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B vitamins.

– **Olive Oil:** A healthier fat choice, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting heart health.

This healthier Thanksgiving sourdough stuffing recipe featuring caramelized onions and mushrooms is a delightful enhancement to your holiday spread. It not only provides a distinctive flavor profile but also aligns with a more health-aware approach to holiday dining. Savor this delicious dish and the spirit of Thanksgiving with your family and friends!