PORK CHOPS WITH APRICOT-ALMOND STUFFING
Enjoy big, bold flavors with a satisfying Sicilian-inspired supper full of seasonal produce and ingredients you have on hand.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking
Ingredients
Meat & Poultry
Pork Recipes
Time 35m
Yield Makes 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix together apricots, almonds, parsley, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cut a 2-inch slit into the side of each pork chop using a paring knife, cutting through to the bone to form a pocket. Fill each pocket with 2 tablespoons apricot stuffing, and press to flatten. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear pork chops until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add 1/2 cup stock. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer pork chops to plates using a slotted spatula.
- Add remaining 1/2 cup stock to skillet; raise heat to high, and simmer, scraping up brown bits with a wooden spoon, until sauce is thick, 5 to 7 minutes. Add vinegar; simmer for 30 seconds. Strain sauce through a fine sieve, and drizzle over pork.
I have been in search of a good stuffing recipe that could be served any day of the week but does not taste similar to the usual bread/sage Thanksgiving stuffing. After trying several different stuffing recipes, I began to adjust ingredients and to try several new ingredients that I thought would enhance the flavor. I eventually came up with this apricot almond stuffing. It's very tasty with a unique flavor all it's own....perfect for any day of the week, or for that special side dish when company is over, whether you're serving beef or pasta or poultry as the main course. And this is just such a tasty stuffing that I know it's just a matter of time before I eventually replace my traditional bread/sage stuffing at our annual Thanksgiving Dinner with this Apricot Almond Stuffing. (I don't want to invoke an impromptu riot within my family by venturing away from my family's traditional Thanksgiving menu, so I'll preserve family tradiition by offering Grandma's Homemade Stuffing every Thanksgiving for the sake of family peace...at least for the time being.) You can use this to stuff any bird, too. I prefer chicken, but I assume it would go well with turkey or even game hens as well. I hope you like it.
Provided by Northwestgal
Categories Brunch
Time 45m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place torn croissant pieces, chopped onion, sliced almonds, tarragon, thyme, parsley, quartered apricot bits, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, apricot preserves (or jam), and half of the chicken broth; stir until blended. Pour the broth mixture over the stuffing mixture.
- Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to toss the stuffing mixture until all the ingredients are well blended. Use as much of the remaining broth--adding a little at a time--as is needed to get the stuffing thoroughly moist (but not saturated or "soupy"). I usually use nearly all of the 2 cups of broth, with maybe 1/8 cup or so not used (I've never really measured the unused portion).
- Place stuffing in a 10x10-inch baking dish, cover, and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
- NOTE - I don't usually grease my pyrex casserole dish for this stuffing, and I have never had a problem with the stuffing sticking to the edges or bottom, and the clean-up is very easy (no crusty pieces stuck to the dish). But, depending on what type of dish you use to roast the stuffing, you might want to first lightly butter your baking dish or lightly coat it with a no-stick cooking spray.
- TIP - Take advantage of sales, and buy day-old croissants at a reduced price when you plan to make this dish. They will be well moistened with the buttery broth, so it won't matter if they are a bit dry.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 321.9, Fat 19.1, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 43.9, Sodium 553.1, Carbohydrate 32.4, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 13.4, Protein 7.1
I spent years searching for a good stuffing recipe that could be served any day of the week (and didn't taste similar to the usual sage-flavored Thanksgiving stuffing). After trying several different recipes, I began to try new things and adjust ingredients that I thought would enhance the flavor. I eventually came up with this...
Provided by Vickie Parks
Categories Other Side Dishes
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. (I don't usually grease my Pyrex baking dish when making this recipe, and I've never had a problem with clean-up. But you might prefer to do so, depending on what type of baking dish you're using.)
- 2. Place torn croissant pieces, chopped onion, sliced almonds, tarragon, thyme, parsley, quartered apricot bits, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
- 3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, apricot preserves (or jam), and half of the chicken broth; stir until blended. Pour the broth mixture over the stuffing mixture. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to toss the stuffing mixture until all the ingredients are well blended. Use as much of the remaining broth--adding a little at a time--as is needed to get the stuffing thoroughly moist (but not saturated or "soupy"). I usually use nearly all of the 2 cups of broth, with maybe 1/8 cup or so not used.
- 4. Place stuffing in a 10-inch square baking dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#60-minutes-or-less
#time-to-make
#course
#main-ingredient
#preparation
#occasion
#stuffings-dressings
#side-dishes
#easy
#beginner-cook
#dinner-party
#pasta-rice-and-grains
#brunch
Apricots and almonds are two ingredients that complement each other very well. Together, they make a delicious and flavorful stuffing that can be used for a variety of dishes. In this article, we will discuss what apricot almond stuffing is, its ingredients, how it's made, and some different ways it can be used.
What is Apricot Almond Stuffing?
Apricot almond stuffing is a type of filling that is made from diced apricots, sliced almonds, and a variety of other ingredients. It is commonly used to stuff poultry or pork but can also be used as a side dish or a topping for vegetables.
Ingredients
The ingredients for apricot almond stuffing can vary depending on the recipe, but here are some of the most common ones:
Apricots:
Dried apricots are typically used in apricot almond stuffing. They add a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs well with the almonds.
Almonds:
Sliced or chopped almonds are a key ingredient in this stuffing recipe. They add a nutty, crunchy texture and flavor that complements the sweetness of the apricots.
Bread:
Breadcrumbs or cubed bread are used as a base for the stuffing. They add a starch to the mixture that helps to hold everything together.
Butter or Oil:
Butter or oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic that are included in the stuffing.
Onions and Garlic:
These two ingredients add a savory depth to the stuffing and complement the sweetness of the apricots.
Herbs and Spices:
A variety of herbs and spices can be added to the stuffing to enhance its flavor. Sage, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper are all commonly used.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth:
Broth is added to the stuffing mixture to moisten it and help it to bind together.
How to Make Apricot Almond Stuffing
Here is a basic recipe for apricot almond stuffing:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add 1 cup of sliced almonds to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the almonds are lightly toasted.
5. Add 1 cup of diced dried apricots, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of breadcrumbs and the almond-apricot mixture from the skillet.
7. Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture is moist but not too wet.
8. Spoon the stuffing into the cavity of a turkey, chicken, or pork roast, or transfer it to a baking dish.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Ways to Use Apricot Almond Stuffing
Apricot almond stuffing can be used in many different ways. Here are a few ideas:
As a Turkey Stuffing:
This stuffing pairs perfectly with turkey, especially for Thanksgiving or other holiday dinners.
As a Pork Stuffing:
Apricot almond stuffing also works well as a stuffing for pork roast or chops.
As a Side Dish:
Serve apricot almond stuffing as a side dish alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish.
As a Vegetarian Main Course:
For a vegetarian main course, stuff bell peppers with apricot almond stuffing and bake until tender.
Conclusion
Apricot almond stuffing is a delicious and versatile recipe that can be used in many different ways. It's easy to make and can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Whether used as a stuffing for poultry or pork, or as a side dish or vegetarian main course, this stuffing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
When it comes to delicious and satisfying dishes, apricot almond stuffing recipes always make a great addition to any meal. This delectable and flavorful dish is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even a cozy family dinner. With its sweet and nutty flavor profile, it can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, even at breakfast or brunch.
If you’re interested in making your very own apricot almond stuffing, there are a few valuable tips to keep in mind. By taking the following pointers into consideration, you can ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time – full of flavor and with a perfect texture.
Choose the Right Apricots and Almonds
The key to making a delicious apricot almond stuffing is to select high-quality ingredients. Look for apricots that are firm and slightly tart – ripe apricots can often be too sweet and will not provide the necessary balance to your stuffing. For the almonds, it’s best to use blanched, slivered or sliced almonds for the texture and visual appeal. The high fat content in raw almonds helps absorb the flavors.
Preparation is Key
To ensure that you end up with a dish that is fluffy, moist, and packed full of flavor, it is important to properly prepare and cut all the ingredients into similar sized pieces. Chop up the apricots, almonds, onions, and celery into bite-size pieces – consistent pieces will cook at the same time and are easier to work with. You can also use a food processor to make fine breadcrumbs or chop nuts roughly.
Get the Right Texture
Texture is very important when it comes to making apricot almond stuffing. When coarsely combined and baked, it gives the stuffing the right crunchy texture. By contrast, when it’s combined with a liquid, it’s moist and easy to spoon out. With that said, there's a risk of over-mixing, which can lead to a soggy, mushy texture instead. Pay close attention and mix just enough to blend the ingredients without turning it into a paste.
Seasoning is Crucial
Once you have your apricots and almonds prepped and your stuffing is mixed, it's time to add seasoning. Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, sage and rosemary add depth of flavor and complement the fruit and nuts perfectly. For added richness, add butter and garlic to the mixture. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Experiment with Different Variations
As much as apricot almond stuffing is a classic favorite, don’t hesitate to switch it up and try different variations. Mix in vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms, or use different seasonings like parsley, oregano, or chili flakes. You can even add cheese, or swap out the breadcrumbs for cornbread, sausage, or wild rice. Experimenting with different variations adds creativity to your cooking, and can bring a new twist to a traditional dish.
Pay Attention to Cooking Time and Temperature
Once the stuffing is prepped, it's time to cook it. The cooking temperature and time will vary depending on the size of your dish and how dry, crunchy, or moist you prefer your stuffing. Using aluminum foil as a lid can help retain moisture and prevent the top from drying out. The stuffing should be golden brown and crispy after baking; if not, check that it’s properly cooked and adjust the oven temperature or cooking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Making apricot almond stuffing may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a few tips, it can be an exciting and rewarding cooking experience. By selecting high-quality ingredients, properly prepping and seasoning your filling, and adjusting cooking time and temperature as needed, you'll be able to create a stuffing that is flavorful, delicious, and visually pleasing. Remember to experiment with different variations to keep your cooking creativity flowing. In no time, apricot almond stuffing will become a family favorite and a beloved staple on your dining table.
Related Topics
