Stuffing is a traditional holiday dish that is often loaded with refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. This version has the familiar flavors but replaces some of the bread with lower-calorie, protein-rich mushrooms and brown rice for extra fiber.

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Baking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sliced white button mushrooms
• 3 ½ cups whole grain bread cubes
• 1 cup unsalted vegetable stock
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• ½ tsp fine-ground sea salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 more minutes, until all vegetables are browned and softened.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the bread cubes. Pour in the stock and stir until the bread is saturated, breaking it into small pieces. Remove from the heat.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking dish measuring about 10 x 7 inches with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Stir the cooked rice, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet.
5. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and press firmly to smooth the surface. Bake for 20 minutes, until the top is browned and the edges are crisp. Serve warm.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.