What You Need to Know
Stuffing, filling, or dressing is an edible mixture, often composed of herbs and a starch such as bread, used to fill a cavity in the preparation of another food item. Many foods may be stuffed, including poultry, seafood, and vegetables. As a cooking technique, stuffing helps retain moisture, while the mixture itself augments and absorbs flavors.
Steps
- 1.
Turkey stuffing (United States): Moisture retention and flavor infusion for holiday poultry
- 2.
Dolma (Middle East): Vegetable casing provides structure for spiced rice mixtures
- 3.
Gefilte fish (Jewish cuisine): Creates distinctive texture contrast between fish and filling
The Science
Primary Reaction
Maillard Reaction