Mary Berry’s Apricot Stuffing is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for enhancing your festive meals. This recipe incorporates the tangy sweetness of apricots with traditional stuffing ingredients, creating a side dish that shines alongside your main course. Suitable for family gatherings and special occasions, this stuffing promises to impress.
This recipe comfortably serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of preparing Mary Berry’s Apricot Stuffing, offering tips and tricks to perfect your dish.
What is Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing?
Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing is a flavorful combination of dried apricots, breadcrumbs, and herbs, often used to stuff poultry or served as a side dish. Its unique taste enhances the overall meal experience.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Twist: The apricots add a sweet contrast that elevates the traditional savory flavors of stuffing.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a stuffing for turkey or chicken, or even as a standalone side dish.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to prepare with straightforward steps, it’s a fuss-free addition to any meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing
- Dried Apricots (200g / 7 oz): Finely chopped for a burst of sweetness.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs (450g / 1 lb): They add texture and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, it provides a savory base flavor.
- Butter (50g / 1.75 oz): For sautéing the onion and adding richness.
- Fresh Sage (2 tablespoons): Chopped, adds a herby freshness.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Chopped, for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chicken Stock (150ml / 5 fl oz): To moisten and bind the ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Useful Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the stuffing ingredients.
- Frying Pan: To sauté the onions.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portioning.
- Chopping Board and Knife: For preparing the ingredients.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and chopped as per the list above to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent about 5-7 minutes. This base will add a deep savory flavor to your stuffing.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions with the breadcrumbs, chopped apricots, sage, and parsley. Mix these together until the ingredients are well distributed.
Step 4: Add Moisture
Pour in the chicken stock gradually while stirring the mixture to evenly moisten the breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency – moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Season and Transfer
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give the mixture a final stir to combine everything thoroughly. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. This will give your stuffing a delightful texture contrast between the soft interior and the crunchy top.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This stuffing is best enjoyed warmly, making it a perfect complement to your main dishes.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing?
- Roasted Turkey: The classic choice, as the sweet apricots complement the savory meat beautifully.
- Grilled Chicken: For a lighter option, serve the stuffing alongside grilled chicken breasts.
- Pork Loin: The flavors pair well with pork, especially when roasted or grilled.
- Vegetarian Options: It also goes well with roasted vegetables or as part of a vegetarian feast.
- With Lamb: The stuffing’s sweet notes can beautifully offset the strong flavor of lamb, particularly the roast leg of lamb.
- As a Casserole Base: Combine the stuffing with cream and cheese to bake as a hearty casserole dish.
- Alongside Duck: Pair it with roasted duck to complement its rich, fatty profile with the stuffing’s sweet and savory taste.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing
- Properly Dry Your Breadcrumbs: Ensuring your breadcrumbs are dry will help them absorb the flavors and moisture better.
- Adjust Moisture as Needed: Depending on the dryness of your breadcrumbs, you may need a little more or less stock.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before baking, taste your stuffing mixture and adjust the seasonings, especially salt and pepper, to your liking.
- Toast Your Breadcrumbs: For added flavor, lightly toast your breadcrumbs in the oven before mixing them with other ingredients.
- Add Freshness with Citrus: A zest of lemon or orange can add a refreshing note to balance the sweetness of the apricots.
- Make It Crunchy: For an extra texture, top the stuffing with a layer of crushed crackers or slivered almonds before baking.
Variations of Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing
- Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use Different Fruits: Substitute apricots with dried cranberries or chopped apples for a different kind of sweetness.
- Herb Variations: Try incorporating thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note that complements the stuffing.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with olive oil and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
How Do I Store Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Apricot Stuffing Leftovers?
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Spread the stuffing in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave the stuffing on high in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 12 g
FAQs
What type of apricots work best for Mary Berry’s apricot stuffing recipe?
Dried apricots are ideal for this recipe because they provide a concentrated flavor and a nice chewy texture that complements the soft breadcrumbs and moist filling. Ensure they are finely chopped to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the stuffing.
Can I prepare Mary Berry’s apricot stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this stuffing a day in advance to save time on busy occasions. Simply mix all the ingredients, store the uncooked stuffing in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving to ensure it is fresh and flavorful.
Is it possible to make Mary Berry’s apricot stuffing gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this stuffing gluten-free, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative. Make sure all other ingredients, like chicken stock, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How can I make Mary Berry’s apricot stuffing vegetarian?
To adapt this recipe for vegetarians, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. Also, check that the butter used does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, or use a plant-based butter alternative to keep the dish completely vegetarian.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Apricot Stuffing is a festive and flavorful side that can transform your ordinary meals into something extraordinary. Its sweet and savory balance makes it a versatile accompaniment to various main dishes, while the simplicity of its preparation ensures that anyone can make it at home. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or preparing a quiet meal, this stuffing is sure to be a highlight. Enjoy crafting this delicious recipe, and may it bring a special touch to your table!