Spanish-Style Stuffing (Dressing)

Makes 6 cups
Serves 8-10


This stuffing is cooked outside of the bird in a separate pan reducing the cooking time of the turkey.
Cook the stuffing in the oven during the last 60 minutes of roasting time.
Saffron was introduced to Spain by the Moors in the 8th century. This ancient spice lends a warm, spicy flavour to this dressing. Make sure to buy saffron threads, not the powder for a truly authentic flavour.

1/8 tsp. saffron threads, approx 10
½ cup turkey or chicken stock
½ cup white wine - preferably Spanish

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 Chorizo sausages, if not available use spicy Italian sausage
2 cups diced Spanish onion, approx. ½ a large Spanish onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 cup Muscat raisins, if not available use Thompson
½ cup stuffed Manzanilla olives, chopped
½ cup almonds or hazelnuts, chopped
1 tsp. Spanish paprika
6 cups cubed stale whole-wheat bread, approx. 6 slices
3 tbsp. diced parsley

1. In a small glass measuring cup combine the chicken stock and white wine. Add the saffron and let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Heat a large non stick pan over medium heat.
3. Add the olive oil. Squeeze the sausage meat out of the casing.
4. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan using a slotted spoon. Set aside.
5. Add onions to the pan and cook over medium low heat stirring occasionally until golden brown, approx. 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic, raisins, olives, nuts, and paprika. Crumble in the cooked sausage meat. Mix well.
7. Add the bread crumbs and parsley and stir till well combined.
8. Pour the saffron wine/stock liquid over top and stir until the bread is well moistened. If it looks dry add another ¼ cup of stock. Can be made 1 day ahead. Store mixture in fridge.
9. When ready to cook, 1 hour before the turkey is done, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit into a 9x13 inch metal baking dish. Run water over the parchment paper and squeeze out excess. Line pan with the damp paper. Or line pan with foil.
10. Pour the dressing into the pan. Cover with another piece of damp parchment paper or foil.
11. Bake at 325 C. for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake 30 minutes more.
12. Serve.