Category: Gluten Free Dinner Ideas

Gluten Free Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a traditional Philippine dish made with pantry staples.  Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves are used to create a marinade.  The chicken is marinated, then simmered in the same marinade on the stove top until the meat is cooked through.

Is Chicken Adobo gluten free?

The only gluten containing ingredient in a traditional Adobo marinade is the soy sauce.  By replacing it with either Tamari or Coconut Aminos, the dish is completely gluten free.

4 Servings (can be doubled)

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. coconut aminos
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed and skins removed
  • 1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 pcs. chicken legs or thighs (about 1 lb.)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp. brown sugar

This post contains affiliate links.

Preparation:

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients, vinegar through bay leaves.  Add the chicken, cover and marinate 1 hour at room temperature, turning every 15 minutes.

Add olive oil to a deep skillet or Sauteuse pan over medium heat.  Brown the chicken on all sides.

Stir in the water and reserved marinade.  Cover and simmer on lowest heat, 60-90 minutes depending on size, turning every 20 minutes.  When done, the chicken should easily pull away from the bone.

Take the lid off during the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.  Serve with rice.

Notes ♪♫ There are so many variations of this classic dish.  I used red wine vinegar, but many recipes say to use white vinegar.  It’s just a matter of taste.  I used Coconut Aminos, because it is much lower in sodium than Tamari.  If you are not limiting salt, then gluten free Tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce in gluten free recipes.

Print This Post Print This Post

 

Gluten Free French Meat Pie

Over 20 years ago I clipped a recipe for French Meat Pie (Tourtière) from the local newspaper and have made it many times using a ready-made pie crust (remember those days?).  Everyone loved it!  Years went by, and like many of my old recipes, this one went by the wayside along with gluten.

I’ve had a yearning for this old favorite, and so I added it to my culinary bucket list.  Here’s what I love about this recipe…

This post contains affiliate links.

The filling.

The most time-consuming part of this recipe is peeling and shredding the potatoes then pressing out the excess liquid.  I took a shortcut and used frozen shredded hash browns; I always have them on hand in my freezer pantry.

The pie crust.

This beauty of a pie crust was made with my favorite little miracle in a bag, Better Batter Original Gluten Free Flour.  If you have not tried this flour, seriously go and get yourself a bag, and be sure to use my code MGFC30 at checkout for 30% off your non-sale item!  Get the crust recipe here.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Gluten Free Pie Crusts
  • 12 oz. lean ground beef
  • 12 oz. ground pork
  • 3 cups (9 oz.) frozen shredded hash browns, defrosted
  • 1 cup onion, cut into 1/4″ dice
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp. thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. sage
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground pepper (about 6 grinds)
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp. milk

Preparation:

Roll out the pie crusts between 2 sheets of waxed paper.

Place one crust in the pie dish.  Trim away the excess and use it to patch any holes or tears in the dough (it happens!).  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.  Place the other crust, with waxed paper on a baking sheet and refrigerate while you make the filling.

Heat olive oil in a deep heavy skillet over medium low.  Add the onion and cook several minutes until translucent.  Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Next add the ground beef and pork to the skillet and sprinkle with seasonings.  Break up the meat with a spatula and stir frequently until all of the meat is browned.

Stir in the hash browns with 2 tbsp. water and continue cooking on low 2-3 minutes longer.  Turn off the heat and let it cool 20-30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375º.  Remove pie crusts from the refrigerator.  Fill the bottom crust with the meat mixture, distributing it evenly.

Top with the remaining pie crust, trim the edges and crimp.  It doesn’t have to be fancy (I’m definitely going to work on my crimping skills though)!

Use a sharp knife to cut slits in the top crust to vent steam.  Whisk the egg and milk, and brush over the top crust.

Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (in case anything spills) and bake 20 minutes on the lower rack of your oven.  After 20 minutes, move it to the middle rack and continue cooking 15 minutes longer.

Remove from the oven and let it rest 5 minutes, that is if you can wait!

This was SO good, just like the one I remember from years ago!  I promise your whole family will love it, and no one will know it’s gluten free!

Notes ♪♫ Convenience foods are great as long as you check the ingredients.  I used Ore-Ida frozen hash browns in this recipe, and they are labeled gluten free.

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Veal Stew with Peas (Spezzatino con Piselli)

This Italian classic is comfort on a plate!  A rich tender veal stew, slowly braised with mushrooms and peas in a light wine sauce.  It pairs beautifully with rice or pasta.

While veal can be quite expensive, veal stew meat is an economical cut that when cooked slowly over low heat becomes melt in your mouth tender.  No wonder this “peasant food” dish is so popular.

This post contains affiliate links. 

I used a 4-quart nonstick sauté pan for this one dish meal.  It was a gift (thank you Santa), but you can get one here!

4 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 lb. veal stew meat
  • 1/4 cup superfine rice flour
  • salt to taste
  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine (not cooking wine)
  • 1-1/2 cups gluten free broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Preparation:

Season the meat and coat with flour.  You can use any gluten free flour, but for browning meat I like superfine white rice flour, (the finer grind assures your dish won’t taste gritty).  Save your expensive gluten free blends for baking.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick sauté pan and begin cooking the shallots.  Add the meat, leaving space in between.  Brown the meat about 5 minutes per side.

Add 1/4 cup of wine to the pan.  When it has almost evaporated stir in 1-1/2 cups of broth and 2 tbsp. tomato paste.  Cover and simmer on low for 90 minutes.

During the last 20 minutes of cooking add the sliced mushrooms, cover and continue simmering.

During the last 10 minutes of cooking add the peas, and finish cooking uncovered to thicken.

How to serve

This stew is great served over rice, pasta or polenta.  Here’s mine served over white rice.

Notes ♪♫ Like many of my recipes, this classic Italian dish required only one ingredient change to make it gluten free.  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to follow a gluten free diet and still enjoy healthy, delicious food.

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Chicken Orzo Casserole

Look at the beautiful colors in this casserole!  Would you believe it’s gluten free?  It absolutely is!  I love that we can enjoy popular orzo dishes like this one, made with gluten free Orzo pasta from DeLallo.

But what I especially love about this recipe is that it uses healthy fresh ingredients, like boneless, skinless chicken thighs, peeled and seeded butternut squash, and bagged baby spinach.  The prep work is a snap!

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups butternut squash, cut into small cubes
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 5
  • 1 cup uncooked gluten free Orzo pasta, (I used DeLallo)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 5 oz. bag baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup white wine, divided use
  • 2 cups gluten free chicken broth, divided use
  • 2 tbsp. heavy cream
  • olive oil
  • Italian seasoning (I like this one)
  • paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • cooking spray
  • fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Cut the butternut squash into small cubes.  Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.  Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Spread the squash cubes in an even layer, bake at 425º for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and paprika.

Heat a nonstick skillet with olive oil and add the chicken.  Cook 7 minutes per side, turning once.  Toward the end of cooking add 1/4 cup white wine to the pan and cook several minutes more until mostly evaporated.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.  Set up a pot of salted water for the gluten free orzo and cook according to package directions.

In the skillet, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil, the minced garlic and pinch of red pepper flakes.  Cook just until fragrant (30 seconds) then add 1/4 cup of white wine.  Add the baby spinach and simmer until wilted.  (It looks like a lot of spinach, but don’t be afraid to add it all, it will cook down to nothing!)

Add the roasted butternut squash back to the pan.

When cooked, drain and rinse the orzo under warm water to remove some of the starch.  Use a fork to break up the orzo if it seems to be sticking together.  Gradually add it to the skillet with the spinach mixture.  Add a pinch of salt, or to taste.

Stir in 1 cup gluten free chicken broth and 2 tbsp. heavy cream.

Simmer several minutes to reduce the liquid slightly, then transfer the mixture to a casserole dish that has been coated with cooking spray.  Arrange the chicken thighs in the casserole, cover with foil and bake 20 minutes at 350º.

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh Italian parsley.

Notes ♪♫ Some recipes add the uncooked orzo pasta right into a casserole, but for gluten free pasta I always recommend cooking it separately.  Since some gluten free pasta can be quite gummy, you are able to rinse off some of the starch before adding to your dish.

Print This Post Print This Post

 

 

 

 

Lamb Chops

Isn’t it funny how food can bring back a memory?  I hadn’t had lamb chops since I was a little girl, 60+ years ago!  At a very young age though, I remember my grandmother would often make me a single lamb chop for lunch.  It was the perfect size for a picky kid’s appetite!

Today, lamb can be a bit of a splurge, but I will usually buy it when there’s a sale.

When my herb garden is in season, I use just a bit of fresh herbs and seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of these lamb chops.  You can use dried herbs during the winter months.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Lamb Chops
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • fresh rosemary
  • fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet with the fresh thyme and rosemary.

The chops will have fat on one side.  Stand the lamb chops on their side in the pan, with the fat side down and cook 5 minutes to render the fat.

Then lay the chops down, cover and cook 7 minutes on one side.

Turn the chops, cover and cook for 7 minutes longer.  During the last 2 minutes of cooking, uncover and add the wine and butter.

Check with a thermometer that the internal temperature reaches 145º for medium.

Place the chops on a serving dish and drizzle with pan juices.  Finish with fresh parsley.

Notes ♪♫ If you love lamb, check out my Braised Lamb Shanks.  A different cut that lends itself to a slow cooked dinner.

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Pappardelle with Mushroom Cream Sauce and Veal Meatballs

This plate full of happiness features beautiful ribbons of homemade pappardelle pasta prepared with a tomato mushroom cream sauce.  Tiny veal meatballs complete the dish.

Completely gluten free, I used my favorite, Better Batter Original All Purpose Blend to make the pasta noodles and they were just perfect!  I used my KitchenAid® to roll out the pasta dough and that definitely made the job easier.  You can do it with a rolling pin if you have patience!

This post contains affiliate links.

Dinner for 2

Ingredients:

For the pappardelle

For the Veal Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb. ground veal
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. minced shallots
  • 1 tsp. fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp. gluten free seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp. potato flakes
  • cooking spray

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 3 oz. shitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 5 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tbsp. minced shallots
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tbsp. heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tsp. butter
  • 2 tbsp. grated parmesan

Preparation:

To make the pappardelle, combine 70g. flour with remaining ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat with the paddle attachment for 5 minutes to form a soft dough.

Bring the dough together and sprinkle with more flour, then wrap in plastic wrap.  Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into 4 sections and work with one piece at a time.  Begin feeding it through the pasta roller, starting with the thickest setting.  Pass it through several times, then begin increasing the roller setting each time until you have a sheet that is thin without tearing the dough.  For pappardelle, this would be setting 3 or 4 on a KitchenAid pasta roller attachment.  Repeat with each section and lay the sheets on floured wax paper.

Note: For a full tutorial on how to make pappardelle refer to this post!

When you have completed rolling the 4 sheets, cut them into 3/4″ ribbons.   Hang them up to dry on a pasta drying rack.

To make the meatballs, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well with your hands.

Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Form 12 small meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space in between.

Broil 4 minutes per side, 8 minutes total.  Remove from the oven and set aside.  Set up a pot of salted water for the pasta and bring to a rolling boil.

Now, to put it all together make the sauce.  In a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat, add the olive oil and red pepper flakes.  Add the mushrooms and shallots, season and stir frequently until they begin to release their liquid.

Add the garlic and parsley then add the white wine.

Allow the wine to reduce for 2 minutes then stir in heavy cream.

Finally add the tomato sauce and the veal meatballs with 2 tsp. butter.

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes.  You can add a ladle of the pasta water to the sauce if it appears dry.

Use tongs to carefully remove the pappardelle from the water and add to the sauce.  Add another pat of butter and stir in the parmesan cheese.

Carefully fold everything together until cheese is completely melted.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with Italian parsley.

Notes ♪♫ Gluten free dough can be so temperamental.  It does tend to stick and tear.  For best results keep the dough and the roller lightly dusted with flour as you work.  I was thrilled to get my pasta sheets to setting #4 on my KitchenAid®, this was an ideal thickness for the pappardelle noodles.  Try to get to at least the third setting, and don’t worry if you have a few tears and odd shaped noodles, they will still be delicious!

Print This Post Print This Post

Pork Chops with Apples and Cipollini Onions

Have you tried Cipollini onions?  Cipolla means onion in Italian, and cipollini are “little onions”.  Milder and sweeter than regular onions, Cipollini can be a flavorful addition to pork and beef dishes.

You may think these little onions are difficult to peel, but here’s a trick!  Simply soak them in water for 30 minutes before you begin prepping the meal.  Those skins will pop right off!  This is an easy dinner for two, and with only one pan required, cleanup is a breeze!

Dinner for two

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops, 1″ thick, bone in
  • 8 oz. cipollini onions, peeled and trimmed
  • 1 apple, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup of 1% milk
  • 1/2 cup of white wine (NOT cooking wine!)
  • 1/2 cup gluten free seasoned breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. butter

 Preparation:

Soak the Cipollini onions in water for 30 minutes.  Be sure they are submerged.  At the same time, tenderize the pork chops by placing them in a non-reactive dish with 1/2 cup milk for 30 minutes, turning once.  Season with salt and pepper.

After soaking for 30 minutes, peel and trim the onions.

Heat a large nonstick skillet with the olive oil and butter.  Season the Cipollini with salt and pepper and cook on medium low heat for 8-10 minutes, turning every few minutes.

Here you can see the onions are partially cooked and starting to get some color.  At this point push them to the side, to make room for the pork chops.

Take each pork chop, shake off the excess milk and dredge in the breadcrumbs.  Add the pork chops to the center of the pan, cover and cook 4 minutes.

Turn the pork chops, add the apples to the pan along with the wine, then cover and cook for an additional 4 minutes.  Remove the cover and allow any remaining liquid to evaporate, then transfer to a serving platter.

I served them with a side of white rice.

Notes ♪♫ I used Aleia’s gluten free Italian breadcrumbs in this recipe.  They are so delicious, the closest I have found in taste and texture to regular Italian breadcrumbs.  Everyone in your family will love them, gluten free or not!

Originally published 02/10/2020           Updated 01/02/2023

Print This Post Print This Post

Skirt Steak with Caramelized Onions

Are you a steak lover?  Boy, do I love a good steak dinner, and I’ll never say no to a Ribeye or New York Strip.  But have you seen the price of beef lately?

So, I started looking at more economical cuts and found skirt steak on sale.  I remembered making these Italian Skirt Steak Rolls a while back, and they were quite good!

This time though, my inspiration came from the caramelized onions that I used to top my Gluten Free Focaccia Bread and decided to pair them with the steak.  The beef and onion flavors are amazing together, and it couldn’t have been easier to make.  The trick to tender skirt steak is not to overcook it.  Just a quick sear in a hot grill pan is all it needs!

4 Servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Trim visible fat from the skirt steak and cut into 4 pieces.  Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic granules, onion granules and paprika.  Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Slice the onion into thin rings.  Heat 1 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil in a nonstick skillet.  Add the onions and cook over medium low heat, turning occasionally until brown and caramelized.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Whisk together the white wine, red wine vinegar and beef broth.

Heat remaining 1 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil in a grill pan.  Add the steak and cook 4 minutes per side over medium heat.  Check for doneness with a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be 140º for medium.

Remove the steak to a serving dish and keep warm.  Transfer the cooked onions to the grill pan and deglaze with the wine/broth mixture.  Stir gently, until about half of the liquid has evaporated.

Top the steak with onions and drizzle with any remaining pan juices.

Notes ♪♫ This simple recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, proof that gluten free does not have to be complicated.  The skirt steak was SO good, I’ll definitely be making it again!

Print This Post Print This Post

Skillet Farfalle with Diced Ham

I love easy skillet dinners like this one for busy weeknights!  You can make the whole meal beginning to end in about 30 minutes.  Honestly, if you prep the veggies the night before it can be ready in less time than that.  It’s a great way to use leftover ham, or you can purchase a ham steak which is what I did here.  Don’t forget those little finishing touches that can make a meal special, in this case it’s a sprinkle of toasted Pignoli (pine nuts), a favorite of mine!

3-4 Servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. boneless ham steak, cut into small cubes
  • 4 oz. gluten free pasta
  • 1 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp. gluten free Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. pignoli (pine nuts), toasted
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • fresh Italian parsley, for garnish
  • grated Parmesan, for serving

Preparation:

Toast the pignoli until lightly browned and fragrant.  I like to use a small saucepan, so they don’t jump all over the place.  Set aside for garnish.

Cook the pasta to 1 minute less than package directions, drain and set aside.  While the pasta cooks, heat a large, nonstick skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil and cook the ham 3 minutes.  Remove and set aside.

Add a little more olive oil and cook the onions until just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.  Add the garlic and peas, cook 2 minutes more stirring frequently.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add the tomatoes with their liquid, toss well to combine and cook until liquid almost evaporates.  If the pan is too dry add a ladle of pasta water.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Add back the ham.

Next add back the drained pasta and toss well.  Drizzle with olive oil, stir and toss to finish cooking the pasta, 1 minute more.  Sprinkle grated cheese.

Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with parsley and toasted pignoli, and serve with grated cheese.

Notes ♪♫ I used Jovial gluten free farfalle (bowtie pasta) in this recipe.  One of my favorites, it has great taste and chew.  The Smithfield ham steak was labeled gluten free.  Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten, especially in processed foods and seasoning blends.

Originally published 5/16/2020        Updated 12/10/2022

Print This Post Print This Post

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is an easy and delicious main course.  Whether you are having a casual family meal, romantic dinner for two or dinner party with guests, pork tenderloin is always a great choice.  With a simple, elegant preparation that looks like you fussed, you will have dinner on the table with plenty of time to make your side dishes and socialize!

If roasting more than one tenderloin try to get them about the same size, so that they all finish cooking at the same time.  For foolproof results, always use a meat thermometer!

Here’s how to make it.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • Pork tenderloin (allow 4-6 oz. per serving)
  • Olive oil, about 1 tsp. per pound of meat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Thinly sliced prosciutto, about 4 slices per tenderloin
  • Fresh Italian parsley

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325°

Remove the tenderloins from the package.  Pat dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil.  Season all over with salt and pepper, then wrap each tenderloin in prosciutto slices.  This keeps the meat very moist.  Tie each tenderloin every few inches with cooking twine.

Use a roasting pan with a rack.  Mist the rack with cooking spray and set the tenderloins with space between for the air to circulate.  Drape fresh parsley over the top and insert an oven safe thermometer in the thickest part of the largest tenderloin.

If you don’t have a probe (oven safe) thermometer, then roast for 20 minutes per pound and check often with an instant read.

When the internal temperature reaches 140° (pink in the center) remove from the oven and tent with foil.  If you like it more well done, then let it go a little longer, up to 150°.  Allow the roast to rest covered for at least 10 minutes to redistribute the juices.

Slice and serve.  Isn’t that beautiful?  Always a hit with family and friends.

Notes ♪♫ A packaged tenderloin will usually weigh between 2 to 2.5 lbs.  If you purchased a larger piece, you are likely to find that the package actually contains 2 smaller tenderloins.  For small households you can cook one and freeze the other.

Print This Post Print This Post