SStuffing is a Thanksgiving staple that is either stuffed in the turkey or eaten as a side dish. Bread cubes and herbs are the main ingredients of this dish.    In this recipe, a South Indian dish called “Upuma”  is adapted, to make a delicious savory stuffing.

How to make Stuffing?

  • Slice and cut bread in 1″ cubes.
  • Dissolve salt in ½ cup hot water and sprinkle on the bread. (2 min.)
  • Soak the lentils and nuts in ½ cup hot water and drain. (5 min.)
  • Peel and chop onion fine; dice tomatoes into cubes.  (3 min.)
  • Chop nuts and set aside a few for garnish. (2 min.)
  • Cook the vegetables with salt in the microwave. (5 min.)
  • Heat oil in a frying pan; add mustard seeds; allow to splutter. (1 min.)
  • Add lentils, nuts & spices. Fry until lentils turn golden. (1 min.)
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. (2 min.)

  • Add tomatoes, cooked vegetables and sauté until all water evaporates. (1 min.)
  • Add the moistened bread cubes and stir well to coat them with spices. (1 min.)
  • Remove from heat.
  • Wash and chop curry / cilantro leaves.   (1 min.)
  • Garnish with saved  nuts and curry or cilantro leaves. (1 min.)

TIPS

  • The bread must be just moist to prevent the cubes from clumping. 
  •  French, Cuban or Sour-Dough bread retain their shape well for this dish. 
  •  Substitute frozen vegetables with pre-cut celery, mushrooms or bell-peppers .