Mushroom Stuffing

Ingredients

• 3 (6-inch) pieces wakame
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ⅛ tsp cayenne
• 3 medium stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup chopped burdock (3 oz) (optional)
• 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and chopped (2½ cups)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 3 tbsp mirin
• 1 recipe (3½ cups) crushed crouton stuffing base
• 6 scallions (white and light green parts), finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• ½ cup vegetable broth, or as needed

Procedures

1. In shallow bowl, combine wakame and hot water to cover.
2. Let soak 15 minutes.
3. Drain and chop coarsely (you should have about ½ cup).
4. Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in garlic, old bay, thyme and cayenne until blended.
7. Add celery, bell pepper and burdock if using and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in wakame and cook 4 minutes.
9. Remove pan from heat.
10. In another large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
11. Add mushrooms and cumin; stir vigorously to keep mushrooms moving.
12. Add mirin and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
13. Remove pan from heat.
14. In large bowl, combine croutons, vegetable mixture, mushroom mixture, scallions and dill.
15. Stir in enough broth so that stuffing is moist enough to hold together when pressed but not soggy.
16. Season with salt and pepper to taste.