Category: Comfort Food

Gluten Free Multigrain Sandwich Loaf

Just look at that beautiful loaf of bread!  In the gluten free universe, this is what dreams are made of!  Not only does it taste great, but it is also nutritious and wholesome, made with a combination of grains that delivers real bread flavor without the gluten.

If you like to mix up your own flour blends, then this recipe is for you!

I adapted this recipe from one of my own, Gluten Free Sandwich Thins.  I always made them for lunch when I worked in an office, but now that I’m home most of the time I find that I like to have sliced bread in the house.  When you make a loaf, you can slice it as thin or as thick as you want for sandwiches, toast or just to go with dinner.

This bread is wonderful for sandwiches.  It doesn’t need toasting, doesn’t fall apart in your hands and the middle is not wet or tacky at all.  It’s a gluten free dream come true!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. yeast
  • 1 tbsp. ground chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 127 g. whole grain sorghum flour
  • 183 g. brown rice flour
  • 56 g. tapioca starch
  • 56 g. arrowroot starch
  • 56 g. potato starch
  • 21 g. teff grain, ground
  • 1 tsp. gelatin
  • 1.5 tsp. xanthan gum
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (I used 2%)
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp. milk, for brushing
  • sesame seeds
  • poppy seeds

Preparation:

Line a 1 lb. loaf pan with parchment paper and mist with cooking spray.

Combine the yeast, ground chia seeds, sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl or measuring cup.  Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients, sorghum flour through salt.

When the yeast has bloomed, add the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer along with the egg, olive oil, milk and water.

Whisk it all together, and then add the dry ingredients into the wet.  Mix for 5 minutes with the paddle attachment.  The dough will be heavy and wet.

Scrape the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula dipped in water.

Covered with oiled plastic wrap and let it rise for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Brush the top of the loaf with milk, and sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds.

Quickly make 2 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.

Place the loaf on the middle rack of the oven, close the door and drop the temperature to 375º.  Bake 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 205º (use a thermometer).

Cool in the pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Cool to room temperature, then bag it and let the loaf stand at room temperature overnight.  Resist the urge to cut into that loaf right away, and your patience will be rewarded with this amazing crumb!  It is truly worth the wait!

Notes ♪♫ You might be interested to know that I mill some of my flour from the whole grain.  In this recipe, I used my KitchenAid grain mill attachment to mill whole sorghum berries into flour.  For the teff flour, I ground whole teff grain in a coffee grinder.  Storing grain in its whole form will keep it fresh longer, great for those infrequently used ingredients.  If you would like to learn more about using a grain mill, check out this post.

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Gluten Free Brunswick Stew

Restaurants have long known the secret, that today’s leftovers can be reinvented into tomorrow’s soups and stews.  It eliminates waste and makes good economic sense too.  I try to follow this principle in my own kitchen by using every last bit of food so that nothing goes to waste.

Brunswick Stew was always a restaurant favorite of mine.  This thick, spicy stew is the ideal way to use up leftovers.  So, whenever I make pulled pork, I put aside some of the meat to make this easy stew.  I add chicken as well, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.

I’m excited to tell you that no oddball ingredients were needed to make Brunswick Stew gluten free.  Of course, when dining out always check with the kitchen to be sure it is safe to order.  At home, you know what to do.  Check labels when using canned products, condiments and seasonings.

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Ingredients:

 Preparation:

Shred 3 cups total of leftover pulled pork and/or chicken.  I used 2 cups of leftover pulled pork and 1 cup cooked chicken (meat from one leg quarter).  Look it over carefully to be sure there are no bones.  I also removed most of the visible fat.

In a 4 qt. nonstick soup pot, heat olive oil and butter until melted.  Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.

Make a space in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste.

Let it toast for a minute then add the stock, tomatoes, BBQ Sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.

Finally add the fire roasted corn and stir everything together.

Keep it on a low simmer until all ingredients are heated through, about 20 minutes.  Remember, most of the ingredients are already cooked, so we are warming it up and giving the flavors a chance to meld together.  Like all soups and stews, this one is even better the next day!

Notes ♪♫ As you add the ingredients be sure to taste for seasoning.  If you held back on the pepper flakes and BBQ Seasoning, you could add a bit more for those who like it spicy.  If you prefer a sweeter taste add another tsp. of brown sugar.

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Gluten Free Italian Veal Cutlets

For a special Sunday Dinner, make your family a nice platter of Italian Veal Cutlets.  This was one of my dad’s favorite meals, I especially remember how he loved to order a veal cutlet sandwich at one of the local restaurants.  So be sure to make enough for dinner and leftovers for sandwiches the next day!

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I am fortunate to live in an Italian neighborhood where we can find thin sliced veal cutlets at the market.  At today’s prices, it’s a splurge but if you are making a nice dinner for two you can get away with less than a pound.  Serve with gluten free pasta and extra marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Set up 3 breading trays (or use plates), one with rice flour, one with beaten egg and one with breadcrumbs.  Preheat the oven to 350º.

Heat a large nonstick skillet with several tablespoons of olive oil.  Keep the heat on medium low.  Working quickly, dredge each piece of veal in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture.  Shake off the excess egg and dredge in the breadcrumbs.  As you finish coating each piece add it to the skillet.  Cook 2 minutes per side until nicely browned, then transfer to a baking sheet.  Continue with the remaining slices, adding more olive oil to the pan as needed.  The cutlets do not have to be cooked through at this point, they will finish in the oven.

Ladle marinara over each slice and top with grated cheese, as much as you like.

Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese.

That’s it.  Not complicated at all.  Serve with a nice plate of pasta and some good gluten free bread to soak up the sauce and you’ve got a fine meal on the table in under an hour (they’ll think you’ve been cooking all day though).

Notes ♪♫ Veal cutlets need to be sliced very thin.  If you can’t get them this way at the store you will need to place the meat between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/4″ thickness with a meat mallet.  If veal is not in the budget, you will be happy to know you can also make this recipe with chicken!

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Easy Marinara Sauce

Why can’t restaurants make a good marinara sauce?  I’m often so disappointed when ordering a simple pasta dish.  It’s the sauce.  You know that bland watery tomato sauce straight out of the can with no seasoning?  Honestly, sometimes I want to walk into the kitchen and show them how to do it!

Well, maybe I’ll just show you, dear readers, that it’s not difficult to make a marinara sauce at home.  Do you really need certified San Marzano DOP dell’agro Sarnese Nocerino tomatoes?  Ok yes, they are out of this world good, but if you’re on a budget it is perfectly fine to start with any canned plum tomatoes or sauce, you just have to jazz it up!

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I confess, to this day I still prefer Hunts Sauce for my marinara because that’s what my mother used, and it brings back such memories of our Italian Sunday dinners growing up.  If you do decide to splurge on real Certified San Marzano tomatoes, I recommend you shop around.  I paid $6.99 a can at my grocery store but later found them online for less!

Before we get started with the recipe, I will tell you that this is not the purist version of marinara sauce.  Yes, I am 100% Italian, and I add onions (gasp) and sugar to my marinara.  It’s the way I make it, and everyone loves it.   Try it, you’ll see!  So much better than jar sauce and in case you were wondering, marinara sauce is gluten free when you make it yourself and there are no mystery ingredients!

Start with whole peeled tomatoes if you like it chunky, or plain tomato sauce if you prefer a smooth sauce with no seeds.  You can use a combination of the two.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Add 2 tbsp. olive oil to a nonstick deep skillet or Sauteuse and heat over medium low (do not use a saucepan, you want something with a wide surface that will allow the sauce to reduce).  Add the onions and cook for several minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and translucent.  Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, be careful not to let it burn.

Next add the tomato paste.  Using paste gives the sauce body and makes it less watery.  Make a space in the center of the pan and drop it in, then let it toast for a minute before stirring it into the onions and garlic.

Now add the sauce and/or whole peeled tomatoes (break them up with your hands first), brown sugar, pepper, basil and oregano.  I do not add sugar to a meat sauce, but for a marinara I love just a tablespoon of sugar or brown sugar per large can of tomatoes.

Stir it up, cover and simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  A simmer mat is great for maintaining a low, gentle simmer and you don’t have to worry about burning your sauce.

When finished, remove the lid and let the sauce sit for 15 minutes.

Now that you know how to make a good marinara sauce, what restaurant favorite will you have for dinner tonight?  How about Spaghetti and Meatballs?  Chicken and shells?  With a great marinara recipe, you can recreate all those great meals right at home!

For some other great sauces, check out my Harvest Pasta Sauce, Traditional Bolognese Sauce, and Mushroom Cream Sauce!

Notes ♪♫ Fun fact, my mother would put a whole onion into her sauce, then remove it before serving “so no one would know”!  She made a huge pot of sauce every month then froze it in portions for Sunday dinner.  I still remember that big Farberware pot on the stove.  I always said my mother’s sauce was better the week after she made it, so go ahead and make a double or triple recipe to always have some on hand!  You can freeze marinara sauce for 6 months.  

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Gluten Free Pumpkin Vanilla Waffles

Today there are so many gluten-free pancake mixes out there, and it’s a treat to make a quick batch of pancakes or waffles, without the gluten!  I’m always trying to be creative and will often use a pancake mix as a base to which I can add layers of flavor and texture!  This fall inspired waffle has almond flour and flax for protein and fiber, coconut flour for sweetness, as well as pumpkin, banana and yogurt for moisture.  The waffles are dense and hearty, a filling breakfast.  One is enough for me, so I make a batch of 8 and freeze the leftovers.  So easy to pop into the toaster for a quick breakfast!

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While we all have our favorite brands, I love the Pancake and Biscuit Mix from Better Batter.  Try it and use my code MGFC30 for 30% off your non-sale purchase!

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients:

Wet ingredients:

  • 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
  • 2 tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 egg
  • 5 oz. vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1-3/4 cups 1% milk
  • cooking spray

Preparation:

Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl, and the wet ingredients in another.  Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir together with a batter whisk until completely moistened.  At first it may appear that the batter is too thin, but it will thicken as the flax absorbs the liquid.  Let the batter rest 10 minutes while you preheat the waffle iron to 350º.

The recipe makes 8 waffles.  If you want to be very particular, you can weigh the batter and divide it in half so your waffles will all be uniform in size.  Coat the waffle iron with cooking spray and spread the batter evenly, using a spatula to get into the corners.  Close lid and cook for 6 minutes.

Remove the waffles and repeat with the remaining batter.  You can enjoy them immediately or cool on a rack to refrigerate or freeze for later.

My favorite way to serve waffles is topped with candied walnuts, just a drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fresh fruit!

Notes ♪♫ Whether you are making pancakes or waffles, remember that gluten free batter takes longer to cook!  For this recipe, the batter is extra dense, so I recommend a full 6 minutes per batch at 350º for a soft waffle, longer for crispy.  You can reheat them in the microwave if you like them soft or use the toaster to crisp them up.  I like to reheat mine in my air fryer, for 4 minutes at 400º.

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Gluten Free Applesauce Pancakes

Like many of my “use it up” recipes, this one came about when I had a jar of applesauce in the fridge that I didn’t want to go to waste.  So, this is what I made one morning, and I enjoyed the pancakes so much that they now have a permanent place my breakfast rotation.  Even the gluten eaters will gobble these pancakes up!

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Using a gluten free pancake mix makes this recipe a snap and no oddball ingredients to purchase!  I love Better Batter Pancake Mix, and you will too.  It’s a great value and a mix you will use all the time.

Remember, when you shop on the Better Batter website, use my code MGFC30 to get 30% off any non-sale item!

Ingredients:

  • 150 g. Better Batter Pancake Mix
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp. canola oil
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar (or sugar substitute)
  • 2/3 cup milk (I used 2%)
  • butter for the griddle

Preparation:

Whisk together the pancake mix and cinnamon.  In another bowl, beat the egg, oil, applesauce, sugar and milk.  Combine the wet and dry ingredients with a batter whisk.  Let batter rest for 5 minutes while you preheat the griddle on medium low.

Coat the griddle with butter and spoon the batter in circles, about 1/3 cup each.  Cook for 4-5 minutes per side.  They are ready to turn when the tops begin to bubble.  Continue with the rest of the batter, adding more butter to the griddle each time.

Remember, gluten free pancakes take longer to cook!  You can poke the center with a toothpick to be sure they are cooked through.

Transfer the cooked pancakes to a cooling rack (or right onto your plate!).  I usually make enough to freeze so they will get individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in freezer safe bags.

You can reheat them on the griddle, microwave or toaster.

I served them with a side of sautéed apples, a sprinkle of nuts and real maple syrup.

Notes ♪♫ It’s apple season and this recipe is a great way to start things off!  Check out all my apple recipes here —-> Best Gluten Free Apple Recipes!

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Gluten Free Macaroni and Beans

I’ve been making this fast and easy peasant dish for over 30 years.  Long before I knew I had Celiac!  After my diagnosis, I quickly realized that the pasta was the only ingredient that had to be changed to make this meal gluten free!

This meal satisfies my craving for comfort food with a minimal amount of fuss.  I serve it right in the pan for easy cleanup.

The recipe is not difficult, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry!  Here’s what you will need…

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Render the pancetta or bacon in a deep skillet.  Add a little olive oil, along with the celery.  Cook for 3 minutes then add the garlic.  Cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.

Make a space in the center of the skillet and drop in the tomato paste.  Toast it for just a minute, then stir in the drained beans and diced tomatoes, with all of their juices.

Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and fresh ground pepper to taste, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain the pasta and add it right into the skillet.  It’s peasant food, you don’t need a serving dish!  Toss well and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some chopped fresh herbs.

Serve with grated cheese and a glass of wine.

Notes ♪♫ Is pancetta a part of your gluten free pantry?  I buy the 4 oz. packages of diced uncured pancetta and store them in the freezer.  It adds just the right amount of salt and flavor to dishes like this one!

Originally published July 19, 2022                      Updated August 8, 2023

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Homemade Gluten Free BBQ Sauce

This is a simple BBQ sauce that you can make at home in small batches.  My husband said he likes it better than his favorite store brand, very high praise indeed!  Use it to baste and glaze meats, as a dipping sauce, even a pizza sauce.

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Whisk the ingredients together and warm in a small saucepan.

Try using it on my BBQ Beef Short Ribs or my BBQ Chicken Pizza!

Notes ♪♫ I keep this recipe lower in sodium by choosing unsalted ketchup and low sodium Worcestershire sauce.  Use garlic granules (or powder) instead of garlic salt.

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Shrimp Fried Rice

I love Asian inspired meals.  This dish satisfies my craving for takeout, which is usually off limits because of the gluten in soy sauce.  Easy to prepare at home, the measurements are approximate, and the recipe is very forgiving.  Substitute chicken, pork or beef for the shrimp and use veggies that you have on hand.  You can also save time by making the rice a day ahead, it’s actually better this way.

3-4 servings

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Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice (use white rice or brown rice)
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 8 oz. raw shrimp (about 12 large or 6 colossal) peeled and deveined
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. water
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • olive oil
  • toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup carrot, diced
  • 1/4 cup each sweet onion, celery, mushrooms, broccoli, peas
  • 2 tbsp. mirin
  • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp. ginger powder
  • 1/8 tsp. ground pepper
  • gluten free coconut aminos
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • fresh chives for garnish

Preparation:

Combine the rice with 1 tsp. melted butter in a small saucepan, stirring to coat.  Add the water and salt, cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cook according to package directions, about 15 minutes for white rice or 35 minutes for brown.  Chill the rice while you get the rest of the dish ready.

While the rice cooks, chop the veggies into small dice.  Whisk together the mirin, garlic and ginger powders.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet and cut the chives on the diagonal into 1/2″ pieces.

Peel and devein the shrimp, and sprinkle with coconut aminos.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low and add 2 tsp. sesame oil.  Cook the shrimp in a single layer just until they turn pink, turning once.  Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Wipe the skillet clean and add 1 tsp. of butter.  Whisk the egg with 1 tsp. of water and add to the skillet, turning to cook through.  Use a spatula to break the egg into small pieces, then transfer to a bowl and keep warm.

Next, add 2 tbsp. olive oil with 2 tsp. sesame oil to the skillet and cook the veggies.  Give the carrots a few minutes head start, followed by the onion and celery.  Soft veggies like broccoli, peas and mushrooms go in last.  Season with ground pepper, and sprinkle with coconut aminos.

When the veggies are ready, it’s time to put everything together.  Stir in the mirin mixture, then add back the shrimp and egg.

Finally, add the rice and drizzle with 2 tsp. sesame oil and a little more coconut aminos.  Use 2 spatulas to stir and toss everything together until well blended and heated through.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the chives and toasted sesame seeds.

This is a delicious gluten free meal to add to your weeknight rotation.  Forget takeout!  With endless substitutions to keep it fresh, this will become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Notes ♪♫ I used Coconut Aminos in this recipe instead of gluten free soy sauce.  We are a low sodium household, and coconut aminos have about a 10th the sodium of regular soy sauce.  If salt is not an issue, you can use gluten free soy sauce or tamari.  Remember, regular soy sauce is fermented in wheat and is not safe for those with Celiac disease.

Originally posted 06/22/2018                     Updated 07/10/2023

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Country Style Pork Ribs

I love having Country Style Pork Ribs all year round, and this easy oven preparation means that we can enjoy them rain or shine!  Cooking ribs slowly on very low heat ensures tender juicy meat.  A simple, dry rub helps keep the meat moist as it cooks, and I finish it with a homemade BBQ sauce.

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An oven proof skillet with cover is perfect for this recipe, you can also use a Dutch oven or braising pan with a lid.

You may be thinking that an oven temperature of 225º is too low, but if you check with a meat thermometer you will find that the center is perfectly cooked after 4 hours.  The meat is moist and delicious, and it smells amazing!

3-4 Servings (can be doubled or tripled)

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. country style pork ribs, bone in
  • 1 large, sweet onion, cut into chunks
  • BBQ Rub, see below
  • Cooking spray
  • Gluten free BBQ sauce

Rub:

  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tbsp. onion powder
  • 2 tsp. garlic granules
  • 2 tsp. salt

Preparation:

Whisk together the dry rub ingredients.  It’s a mild flavored rub, but you can add bolder spices like cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.  Use your hands to coat the ribs evenly with the rub.  Be sure to cover the entire surface.

Mist a covered skillet, Dutch oven or braising pan with cooking spray.  Cut the onions into large chunks and arrange in a single layer, to create a base for the ribs.

Place the ribs on top of the onions.  As the ribs cook down, they will release liquid, and you want them to be elevated for most of the cook time, not submerged.

Cover and roast at 225° for 4 hours total.  After 3-1/2 hours, uncover and brush liberally with BBQ sauce.

Continue cooking 1/2 hour longer.  The meat will be falling off the bone tender!

See how much liquid has accumulated in the bottom of the pan, yet the ribs are not swimming in it?

To plate, spoon some of the onions and pan juice over the ribs.  I served the ribs with a side of BBQ Baked Beans and fire roasted corn.  Have extra BBQ sauce available for dipping.

Notes ♪♫ I won’t tell if you use a store-bought BBQ rub and/or BBQ sauce, just be sure they are gluten free.  Stubbs is my favorite 😉!

Originally posted 8/06/2018      *     Photos updated 7/04/2023, 9/21/2024

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