My Mother’s Turkey Stuffing

5 from 3 votes
I have so many memories of this stuffing growing up in Queens, New York. It was one of my mom’s few specialties – our dad did most of the cooking in the family. Enjoy this classic Greek recipe and family tradition, from my table to yours!
5 from 3 votes

My Mother’s Turkey Stuffing

Ingredients

  • 1 lb/450g chestnuts cooked and shelled (sous vide are ok)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large red or yellow onions finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • Turkey giblets chopped (optional)
  • 1 lb/500g ground beef
  • ½ cup dry red or white wine
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup dark raisins or Greek currants
  • 1 cup chopped almonds and pine nuts mixed
  • 3 cups croutons

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons butter and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Add the celery and continue sautéing until the celery and onions are soft, another 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic. Add the giblets (optional) and the ground meat and cook, stirring until lightly browned.
  • Add the wine, spices, salt, and pepper and simmer uncovered over low heat for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the raisins, almonds, pine nuts and chestnuts and mix well. Continue simmering uncovered for 4-6 minutes until all liquids are absorbed. Remove the dish from the heat and let the stuffing cool a little. Remove the cinnamon. Add the croutons, mix well and set aside.

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Makes enough to stuff 2 boneless turkey breasts or 1 whole turkey, about 14 pounds

Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

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Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

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