Savory Mushroom Stuffing with Dried Wild Mushrooms and Mushroom Jerky

Bring the rich, earthy flavors of the forest to your holiday table with this elevated stuffing recipe. By combining our Dried Wild Mushroom Blend and Mushroom Jerky, this dish is a celebration of umami-packed perfection. This recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarians. 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Black Forest Mushrooms Dried Wild Mushroom Blend
• 1/2 cup Lion’s Mane or Blue Oyster Jerky, finely chopped
• 2 cups boiling water (for rehydrating mushrooms and jerky)
• 1 loaf rustic bread (sourdough or French), cubed and slightly stale
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or plant-based alternative)
• 1.5 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or more as needed)

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Mushrooms and Jerky:

   • Place the Dried Wild Mushroom Blend in a heatproof bowl and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Let soak for 15-20 minutes.
   • In a separate bowl, soak the chopped Mushroom Jerky in 1 cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes.
   • Drain both, reserving the soaking liquids. Combine the two liquids, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove grit, and set aside.
     
     

2. Prep the Bread:
   Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until slightly dry. (Skip this step if your bread is already stale.)

3. Sauté the Veggies, Mushrooms, and Jerky:
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic, rehydrated mushrooms, and jerky. Add thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Combine Everything:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed mixture, and fresh parsley. Toss to mix evenly.

5. Add the Liquids:
   Gradually pour the combined mushroom and jerky soaking liquid, followed by the broth, over the bread mixture. Toss gently to moisten. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.

6. Bake:
   Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

7. Serve:
   Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve warm alongside your holiday meal.

Ranger’s Tip:
For an extra kick of earthy flavor, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Lion’s Mane Powder when combining the bread cubes and sautéed mixture. This dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, turkey, or as a standalone vegetarian delight.

Enjoy this Fungi-to-Fork masterpiece at your next gathering!