Stuffing is one of my all time faaaaavorite foods. Why? Because it’s BREAD! Moist, flavorful, herby bread. I never met a bread I didn’t like. I mean love. And there’s even cauliflower stuffing! I come from a family of [carb] lovers. My dad raised me on linguine with clam sauce and chocolate soufflé and grits. Like, the instant kind from the bag prepared with salt and butter. The best. Oh, and popovers! Really plain but really amazing popovers. Who else’s dad made them popovers?! My mom raised me on french toast and popcorn and banana bread and apple cake. She always had multiple kinds of bread in the house, from rustic cranberry walnut bread to fresh challah, honey wheat bagels, and pita bread. She’d buy Italian chocolate topped cookies from Alesci’s bakery on a weekly basis. She’d bring me hot rigatoni with marinara sauce to school for lunch. When I got off the bus, she would offer me fruit or cottage cheese or whole grain crackers but if I was craving pizza, she’d make me a pizza bagel. Super mom, right? I grew up in a family that celebrated food in the best, most “normal” way. We had a jar full of dark chocolate bars next to the stone ground peanut butter. We had organic tortilla chips and Cheerios and Frosted Flakes on occasion. My parents made meatloaf, chicken paprikash, chic ken and broccoli, zucchini kugel, flank steak fajitas, spaghetti and meatballs, grilled salmon, and chili for dinner. I remember my mom’s brownies with walnuts, apple cake, cream cheese cookies, and banana bread for dessert. We were so lucky. There was no negativity and zero fear when it came to food. And carbs. My favorite food group! This Vegetarian Pomegranate Za’atar Stuffing recipe is home and family and love. It smells like Thanksgiving and reminds me of Israel. I remember racing down the stairs on Thanksgiving Day, so excited to help my dad cook the green beans with caramelized onions and almonds. The smell of onions and garlic simmering in olive oil takes me back to being seven years old every time. Our family always hosted the best Thanksgiving meals, and I’ll never forget them. Mom and dad, thank you for raising me with a strong appreciation for food, culture, human rights, empathy, and giving back. The older I get, the more I realize how similar we are in so many ways. Whatever you’re grateful for this season, old Thanksgiving memories or new ones, I hope you’re surrounded by joy this holiday season and that this Vegetarian Pomegranate Za’atar Stuffing makes you feel cozy and loved! For more Thanksgiving recipes, check out some of my most loved holiday recipes!
Spinach Mushroom & Herb StuffingVegan Pumpkin Pie Bars with Pecan Cookie CrustHealthy Green Bean CasseroleVegan Sweet Potato CasseroleCranberry Orange Sauce
TO MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare this the day before and store unbaked in the fridge, tightly covered. If you want it more advance than that, I would recommend baking and freezing it. TO FREEZE: Prepare the stuffing, bake it, then freeze the cooled, covered stuffing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake before serving per the recipe.
