Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 2 medium yellow onions, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 1 day-old baguette, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
• 3/4 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup canned chestnuts, chopped

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
   
   Cook 3/4 pound Italian sausage, crumbling it with the back of a spoon.
   
   Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook until soft, about 6 minutes. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, the parsley, and thyme and cook for 1 minute.
   
   In a large bowl, combine the bread, vegetables, and broth. Stir in the sausage and chestnuts. Transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until heated through.
   
   Make-Ahead Note: Prepare the stuffing for baking up to 1 day in advance.