Chestnut, Prune, and Pancetta Stuffing

Ingredients for Chestnut, Prune, and Pancetta Stuffing

• 1 (1 1/2-lb) sourdough loaf, cut into 1/3-inch dice (4325ml )

• 450g coarsely chopped pancetta slices (about 675g )

• 1 stick (110g ) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

• 300g chopped celery (5 to 6 ribs)

• 650g chopped onions (2 large)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 3 (7- to 230g ) jars peeled cooked whole chestnuts, halved (600g )

• 350g pitted prunes (475ml ), quartered

• 1200ml turkey stock , heated to liquefy, or reduced-sodium chicken broth (1200ml )

• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

• a 4-quart shallow ovenproof baking dish (15 by 10 by 2 inches)

How to make Chestnut, Prune, and Pancetta Stuffing

Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 204°C.

Scatter bread in a single layer in 2 large shallow baking pans (17 by 12 inches) and toast, stirring once or twice and switching position of pans halfway through baking, until golden and dry, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a very large bowl.

Cook pancetta in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Add butter and heat until melted, then add celery and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 12 minutes. Stir in sage, salt, and pepper and cook 1 minute. Add pancetta mixture along with chestnuts and prunes to bowl containing bread. Whisk together stock and eggs, then stir into bread mixture until combined well. Transfer to baking dish (stuffing will mound above dish).

Bake, loosely covered with a buttered sheet of foil (buttered side down) 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake until top is browned, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.