Category: Comfort Food

Crock-Pot Asian Chicken

Crock-Pot meets Stir-Fry

Hello friends!  Meal delivery services have become so commonplace these days, that you can order takeout from just about anywhere.  Except when you have dietary restrictions- that is.  There are no dedicated gluten free restaurants where I live, and I am not comfortable ordering over the phone where I cannot speak to staff face to face about their allergen protocols.

So today it’s off to the kitchen to satisfy my craving!  I’m using the Crock-Pot along with my skillet to create an absolutely amazing dish that rivals any restaurant!

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Crock-Pot Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp. tamari (gluten free soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp. dry minced onion flakes
  • 1 tbsp. ketchup
  • 2 tsp. canola oil
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. powdered ginger
  • cooking spray
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch + 2 tbsp. water
  • 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Stir-Fry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • pinch of garlic granules or garlic powder
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 large egg + 1 tbsp. water
  • 1/2 cup slivered carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/3 cup mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup scallions
  • 1 cup baby bok choy
  • sesame oil
  • gluten free tamari
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup more chicken broth

Preparation:

Coat the crock-pot with cooking spray and add the whole chicken breast.  Whisk together the honey, tamari, dried onion flakes, ketchup, canola oil, garlic and ginger.  Pour it over the chicken, cover and cook on high for one hour, then reduce heat to low and cook 2 more hours.

While the chicken cooks, make the rice.  Cook 1 cup of brown rice in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup water, seasoned with salt and garlic powder.  When the rice is finished, let it cool to room temperature and set aside until the chicken is ready.

After 3 hours the chicken should be cooked through and very tender.  Remove to a cutting board and cut into 1″ pieces.

Skim fat from the crock-pot and whisk in 2 tsp. cornstarch.

Return the diced chicken and increase heat to high, stirring frequently to thicken the sauce.  Alternately you can transfer to a small sauce pot as I’ve done here.  Keep warm while you finish the dish.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat.  Whisk the egg with 1 tbsp. water, scramble and chop into small pieces.  Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.  Wipe the skillet clean and begin cooking the veggies in a little sesame oil.  I started with the carrots and onions as they take longest.

After a few minutes, add the peas, mushrooms and scallions with a little more oil and cook 2 minutes more.  Finally, add the bok choy with a few shakes of tamari and stir well to blend.

To finish, add back the rice and the scrambled egg with a few more shakes of tamari, along with 1/3 to 1/2 cup chicken broth.  Quickly toss and stir to incorporate the rice and veggies until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is heated through.  Transfer to a serving platter.

Spoon the chicken over the fried rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes: ♪♫ Were you surprised to learn that soy sauce is not gluten free? I was!  The soy is fermented in wheat, making it unsafe for those of us with Celiac disease.  In this recipe I used San J brand gluten free Tamari in place of soy sauce.  It is a great addition to any Asian inspired recipe and also great for marinades.

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Cilantro Lime Rice

I love this easy Cilantro Lime Rice that you can enjoy at home with all your Mexican favorites.  A restaurant classic, making it at home means no chance of cross contact with gluten!

Just about everyone will love this mild flavored rice and it pairs nicely with spicier foods.  The ingredients are naturally gluten free and it’s ready in 20 minutes.

4 Servings

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Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup long grain white rice
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • 1/4 cup canned or frozen corn (defrosted)
  • juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation:

Cook 1/2 cup of white rice in 1 cup water, with salt and butter, 15 minutes.  Stir in an additional 1/4 cup of water along with the corn, half of the cilantro and the lime juice, cook 5 minutes longer.

Finish with the rest of the cilantro and a slice of lime.

Here I’ve paired it with a simple meal of grilled chicken and veggies.  Absolutely delicious!

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Gluten Free Eggplant Tortilla Casserole

This easy casserole dish is great for a family dinner.  If you are invited to a party or cookout and need to bring a gluten free dish, this would be a great choice.  Using canned beans and tomatoes makes it easy to put together.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 medium eggplant, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced (1-1/2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • canola oil (or other neutral oil)
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles
  • 1/2 tsp. Mexican Spice Blend or more to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyere)
  • 4 gluten free corn tortillas, cut into eighths
  • cooking spray

Preparation:

Peel and dice the eggplant.  Add 3 tbsp. canola oil to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  When the oil is hot, add the eggplant cubes and toss to coat.  Cook the eggplant until it is browned on all sides.  The eggplant absorbs oil like a sponge, so add more if needed.

Season with salt and set aside to cool.

Next, add a little more oil to the skillet and cook the onions until lightly browned.  Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Add the tomatoes with their juice and the drained beans.  Top with chopped cilantro and season to taste with Mexican Spice Blend, I used 1/2 tsp.

Toss well to combine and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated.

To assemble the casserole, coat a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.  Line the baking dish with half of the tortillas.

Spoon half of the tomato mixture and eggplant cubes over the tortillas and top with 1/4 cup of cheese.

Repeat with another layer of tortillas.

Top with the remaining tomatoes and eggplant and 1/4 cup cheese.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes at 375º.  After 30 minutes remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Your family and friends will love this dish!  It would be a nice accompaniment to a Cinco de Mayo dinner.  You could also serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips.  This makes quite a few servings, and leftovers can be frozen.

Notes ♪♫ I used Mission brand Yellow Corn Tortillas in this recipe, they are certified gluten free.  The spice mix is my own, a blend of chipotle Chile flakes, oregano, onion granules and cumin.  if you are using a purchased blend, always check for gluten containing ingredients.

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Gluten Free Rhubarb Crumble

A word of Caution- This recipe contains oats.

A recent statement from Gluten Free Watchdog states that they cannot currently recommend ANY brand of gluten free oats.

Whether or not you continue to consume oats is a personal choice.  As we await more information, I will preface any recipes that include oats with a link to this important statement from Gluten Free Watchdog, an independent, subscriber-driven gluten-testing organization.  About | Gluten Free Watchdog

***

To me, rhubarb says spring!  This Rhubarb Crumble has been a family favorite for so many years.  Way back when, my husband would pick the rhubarb fresh from our backyard garden and it was just wonderful!  These days, our harvesting is done at the grocery store, but it always brings back those memories.

In this recipe, I threw an apple into the usual mix of rhubarb and strawberry, and it worked so well, I think you could add just about any fruit you like, and it would be delicious.

The Lazy Gastronome

 

When shopping for rhubarb, be sure to choose stalks that are firm and vibrantly colored.  If the outer skin of the rhubarb is tough and stringy, you can easily peel some of it off.  Young, slender stalks are less likely to need peeling, but you may need to buy a few extra.

6 Servings

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Ingredients:

For the filling:

For the topping: 

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp. cornstarch.  Peel and dice the apple and chop the rhubarb into 1/4″ slices.  Toss the rhubarb and apples with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.  Refrigerate while you prepare the crumble topping.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats and sugars.  Chop the butter into cubes.

Working quickly, cut the butter into the topping mixture using a pastry cutter, firm spatula, or 2 butter knives.  You can even use your fingers to incorporate the butter into pea size pieces.

Preheat the oven to 375° and coat a square baking dish with cooking spray.  Add the apples and rhubarb then use a teaspoon to dot the strawberry preserves over the fruit.

Spread the topping evenly.

Bake for 45 minutes.  When done, the top should be lightly browned and bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.  Honestly, it’s delicious warm, room temperature or chilled!  Store in the refrigerator and it will be good for several days, but I don’t expect it to last that long…

Notes: ♪♫ For the preserves, I used Polaner All Fruit Strawberry, it is gluten free and sweetened only with fruit juice.

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Gluten Free Sorghum Pilaf

Sorghum is an ancient grain that is enjoying renewed popularity.  Nutritious and gluten free, I like to keep it in my whole grain rotation for variety in a healthy diet.  It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

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The biggest drawback about making Sorghum is that it takes a long time to cook.  I usually make it when I plan to be in the kitchen for a nice long stretch.  The preparation begins with several hours of pre-soaking, followed by a long, slow simmer along with frequent additions of liquid.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sorghum grain
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup mixed vegetables diced very small (such as shallots, onion, scallion, garlic, mushroom, carrot, celery, red and green bell pepper, zucchini)
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 carton gluten free chicken or vegetable broth (use either or a combination, you will need 1-1/2 to 2 cups total broth)
  • fresh chives, for garnish

 Preparation:

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add the sorghum.  Cover and remove from the heat, and let it soak for 3 hours.

After 3 hours, turn the heat to low and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.  Next add 1 tbsp. butter along with the minced vegetables.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Begin adding the broth, 1/3 to 1/2 cup at a time.  Cover and keep on a low simmer, stirring occasionally and add more liquid as it is absorbed.  Be careful not to let the bottom burn!  Continue until the sorghum has doubled in size, about 90 minutes total cook time.

Take a taste to be sure they are cooked through!  The grains will be plumped up but will still have a good chew, like “al dente” pasta.  Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chives.

This is a nutritious and fiber rich side that will fill you up.  Try it, it’s delicious and a nice change of pace from the usual rice and potato sides!

Notes ♪♫ I used Bobs Red Mill whole grain sorghum in this recipe.  Did you know that Sorghum grain can also be milled into flour for baking?  Learn more in this post about Using a Grain Mill!

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Skillet Chicken and Penne

Before I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, easy skillet meals like this were my go-to for busy weeknights.  There was a time when I thought I would never enjoy meals like this again, but little did I know!  Delicious gluten free pasta and breadcrumbs are widely available so today I can still enjoy some of my old favorites.  I love that this dinner can be pulled together in a hurry.  It’s such a versatile recipe, you can substitute whatever veggies you have on hand, even leftover or frozen veggies will work.

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Boil a pot of salted water for the pasta.  Cut the chicken into cubes.  Place in a bowl and toss with breadcrumbs to coat evenly.  Cook the chicken in a large, nonstick skillet with olive oil.  Turn to brown all sides.  When cooked through, remove and keep warm.

Keep the veggies separated.  The carrots will take longest to cook, while the zucchini will only need a few minutes.  Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper before adding to the skillet.  Add the carrots in first.

Cook the pasta to 1 minute less than package directions.  While the pasta cooks, finish the veggies.  Add the onions and bell peppers next.  With 5 minutes left for the pasta to finish, add the zucchini.

Add the chicken back to the skillet with the veggies, toss well and add a splash of white wine.  Let it reduce, then add 1/4 cup of chicken broth.

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with a little reserved pasta water if needed.  Finish cooking 1 minute longer, tossing together to blend the flavors.

Transfer to a serving platter, finish with grated cheese and garnish with Italian parsley.  Serve with more grated cheese.

Notes ♪♫ I used Rummo gluten free penne in this recipe, it’s a rice and corn blend with great taste and texture.  If you’re missing the “chew” of wheat pasta, give it a try!

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Gluten Free Cornish Hens

Are your holiday gatherings going to be smaller this year?  I can remember a time when I thought nothing of having one or even two dozen people over for a holiday dinner (how did I do that?), but these days we tend to be just a small, cozy group.  And sometimes a turkey is just too big for a few people.

Today’s post is a special dinner that you can make at home for one, two or more.  Cornish Hens are delicious and flavorful, and they go well with just about any of your favorite Thanksgiving sides.  You can even stuff them!

A single Cornish Hen (2 lb.) should yield 2 servings, or for hearty appetites plan on one hen each.  Your gatherings may be smaller, but they can still be delicious!

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Ingredients:

  • 2 Cornish hens (about 2 lbs. each)
  • 1/2 stick of butter, softened
  • 1 tsp. each, rosemary and thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the stuffing:

Preparation:

Cook the bacon and drain on paper towel, reserving the fat in the skillet.

Add 1 tbsp. butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and begin cooking the onion, celery and apple.  Sprinkle with sausage seasoning.  Chop the bacon and add it back to the pan and let it cool slightly while you prep the hens.

Place the hens in an empty sink.  Remove the gizzards from the cavity, rinse the hens inside and out with cold water and place in a baking dish coated with cooking spray.  I used a 9″ x 13″ Pyrex dish.

Wash the sink thoroughly and now we’ll finish the stuffing.  Stir in 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and about 2 tbsp. chicken broth, just enough to bring the stuffing together.  Gently spoon the stuffing into each hen.

Mash together the softened butter, rosemary and thyme.  Rub the hens all over with the herb butter, be sure to get under the legs and wings and place a pat under the skin.  Season with salt and pepper.

Use twine to tie the legs together and wrap another strand around the center of the bird to secure the wings close to the body.  Add 1/2 large onion, 1 carrot and 1 potato to the pan.

Roast for 70 minutes at 350º or until the internal temperature reaches 165º.

Broil on low for 5 minutes to get more color on the skin.

Aren’t they beautiful?  Whether you are dining solo or with those you love most, I hope you find some gluten free meal inspiration for your holiday table!  May your home be filled with blessings of the season and all the delicious food.

Notes ♪♫ I originally wrote this post in April of 2020, at the height of the pandemic.  It was just before Easter, and the recipe was among those that I affectionately referred to as “quarantine cuisine”, because everyone stayed at home for the holidays that year.  I am so thankful that those days are behind us, and we can celebrate the holidays with family again. 

Original post 04/07/2020     Updated 11/05/2025

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Beef Short Ribs with Polenta

This delicious slow cooked meal is perfect for Sunday afternoons in autumn!  Braised Beef Short Ribs are marinated in red wine with herbs.  Your kitchen will smell amazing as they are slowly simmered on the stove top until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.  Served over creamy Polenta, with a side of roasted green beans.

2 Servings (for heartier appetites, allow 2 ribs per serving)

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Ingredients:

  • 2 bone-in beef short ribs
  • 3/4 cup of red wine
  • sprigs of rosemary, thyme and chives
  • salt and black pepper
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp. ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 2 cups gluten free stock (chicken, beef or vegetable)

Preparation:

Combine the wine and herbs in a covered baking dish with lid (mine is an antique Corningware!).  Add the short ribs and season with salt and fresh ground pepper.  Cover and marinate the short ribs for 2 hours at room temperature, turning every 30 minutes.

About 3 hours before dinner, pour the marinade into a saucepan and keep warm.  Sear the ribs in a deep skillet with 2 tbsp. olive oil.  You can also use a Dutch oven, or other heavy pan with a cover.

Remove the ribs, and add the carrots, onion, celery and garlic with 1 tbsp. more olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.  Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Take the skillet off the heat and pour in the reserved marinade.  Deglaze the pan, then add the stock, honey and ketchup.

Return the short ribs, cover and turn the heat down to the lowest setting.  You want a constant slow simmer.

After 3 hours of gentle heat, the ribs are melt in your mouth tender and pulling away from the bone.

The skillet liquid is full of rich flavor.  Strain it into a saucepan and reserve for soup stock!

I made individual serving bowls, and set each short rib over Polenta, with just a drizzle of the pan juices.  Carrots and fresh parsley add a pop of color.  Roasted green beans were served up on the side.

Notes ♪♫ I used a simmer mat in this recipe.  It’s one of those kitchen gadgets you didn’t know you needed until you have one.  It will prevent hot spots, maintain that low steady simmer, and keep your rice and delicate sauces from burning.  It is perfect for recipes like this one, where braising is done on the stove top.

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One Pan Drumstick Dinner

Keeping your weeknight meals interesting can be a challenge.  Here is a simple recipe using common ingredients to add to your rotation.  Use an oven proof covered skillet or Dutch oven for easy, one pan cleanup.  The preparation is mostly hands off, so with just a little effort you can have a nice meal on the table with time to spare.

2 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/4 cup white rice flour
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 ears of sweet corn, cut into thirds

Preparation:

Place 1/4 cup of rice flour in a clean plastic bag.  Add the chicken drumsticks, close the bag and shake to coat.

Add olive oil to a heavy, oven proof skillet and begin browning the chicken on all sides along with the onions.

Add the carrots to the pan, season to taste with salt and pepper.  Next pour in 1/4 cup of white wine, cover the pan and place in a 375º oven for 45 minutes.  Turn the chicken half way through.

During the last 10 minutes of cooking add the sweet corn.

Finish it off under the broiler for 3 minutes on high.  The chicken will be falling off the bone tender, the pan juices slightly thickened to create a nice light sauce.

Notes: ♪♫ Use plain white rice flour to coat the chicken, save your pricey all purpose gluten free flour mix for another recipe.

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Glazed Spiral Ham

A spiral ham can be the centerpiece of your holiday meal.  An easy main course means you will have more time to devote to your tasty appetizers and side dishes!  Taking a few extra minutes to prepare a simple homemade glaze for the ham will make it extra special.  Impress your guests, when you tell them you didn’t use “that foil packet” to make a glaze.

How much ham should you buy?  The usual estimate is 3/4 pound per person for a bone-in ham.  For small gatherings, you will likely find that even the smallest ham is much more than what you need.  Don’t worry, you can send your guests home with leftovers, and you will enjoy ham sandwiches all week!  And don’t forget to make a stock with the ham bone for Lentil Soup or Split Pea Soup.

When shopping for a spiral ham, I go out of my way to look for the gluten free label.  This year I went to more than one store (if they seem puzzled when you ask if the ham is gluten free go to another store!)

Ingredients:

  • 1 fully cooked spiral ham
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole cloves

Preparation:

Set the ham cut side down in a roasting pan (use a rack if you have one).

Cover the ham tightly with foil and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.  Roast 15 minutes per pound at 325º.

Whisk together the orange juice, honey, brown sugar and cloves in a small saucepan.  Keep warm while the ham is baking.  During the last 45 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the glaze every 15 minutes.

After the holiday, leftover ham is great in sandwiches, omelets and pasta salads.  Save the bone and small scraps of meat to make a delicious Split Pea Soup!

Notes ♪♫ When choosing a ham, look for the gluten free label.  While pork is a gluten free food, not all ham is gluten free due to the spices and glazes used in processing.  Ditto for the “foil packet”, if you aren’t sure what’s in it, toss it and make your own glaze.

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