Category: Gluten Free Italian

Gluten Free Almond Biscotti

Biscotti are at the top of my list of treats to bake for Christmas visits and gifting.  Everyone loves this traditional Italian cookie, even Santa!

Before my Celiac diagnosis, I would bake biscotti every Christmas for my family, friends and co-workers.   I had truly missed this tradition, and so I resolved to make a gluten free biscotti with all the flavor and texture of my old recipe.

There are so many variations of biscotti, but this almond and dark chocolate combo is my favorite.  If you bake only one cookie for Christmas, let it be this one!

Almonds, almond flour and almond extract deliver a triple punch of flavor in these beloved Italian treats.  And you will be surprised at how easy they are to make!

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Ingredients:

  • 60 g. brown rice flour
  • 55 g. potato starch
  • 25 g. tapioca starch
  • 1 tsp. xanthan gum

OR

PLUS

Preparation:

Line a half sheet pan with parchment or use a silicone mat.  If using sliced raw almonds, you need to toast them first.  Just spread them in a single layer and bake for 5 minutes at 350º.  Watch that they don’t burn!  Set them aside in a bowl to cool down before adding to the batter.

If you have whole toasted almonds, you can skip this step and just blitz them a few times in an electric chopper.

Next, whisk together the dry ingredients (through nutmeg).  In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar, beat for 3 minutes.

Next add the eggs, one at a time with the almond extract.

Beat well for 1 minute then incorporate the flour mixture, just until moistened.  Last add the nuts and mix on low for a few seconds to incorporate.

Spread the dough onto the lined baking sheet in a log shape.

Use a spatula to smooth and pat it into a log, about 1/2″ thick.  Divide the log in 2 lengthwise (I used a dough scraper).  Run the spatula around the sides of the dough to smooth the rough edges.  Put the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350º.

Then bake for 30 minutes.

I divided the dough along the crease before moving it to a rack to cool.

Probably the biggest difference between gluten free biscotti and those made with wheat flour is that instead of waiting 5-10 minutes before slicing you will need to cool it for a full 30 minutes.  You might be tempted to slice into it right away, but don’t do it or your biscotti will crumble to bits!  Allow the cookies to set for at least 30 minutes and your patience will be rewarded.

If you like a crisp, hard cookie (great for dunking) return the sliced biscotti to the baking sheet cut side up and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Before frosting, arrange the biscotti on a rack over a sheet of wax paper to keep the counter clean, and let them cool completely.  Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave.  I like to use a spoon or spatula to drizzle the chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over each cookie.

Let the biscotti stand at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set, then arrange on a platter.  If you are in a hurry, you can place biscotti in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to speed things up.

Now that you know how easy it is to prepare this holiday treat, start your own Christmas tradition and bake up a batch for gifting your family and friends.

Merry Christmas from My Gluten Free Cucina

Notes ♪♫ Since gluten free baked goods are notorious for crumbling, I find that using sliced almonds rather than whole helps the biscotti hold together with nice, clean slices.  Either way, they taste great!

 

Originally published 12/29/2019                 Updated 12/15/23

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Gluten Free Shrimp Scampi

Sometimes you have a meal in a restaurant, and it just sticks in your mind until you finally take the time to recreate it at home.  This is one of those meals.  I love seafood pasta and Shrimp Scampi has to be at the top of my list for all-time favorites.

Did you know this dish is super-fast and easy to prepare?  Yes, a five-star dinner that is quick enough to make on a weeknight!

Dinner for two

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Ingredients:

  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup (about half of a 14.5 oz. can) fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 tbsp. white wine
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 4 oz. gluten free spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp. shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1 tbsp. chopped Italian parsley

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil in a nonstick deep skillet or Sauteuse Pan.  Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes.  Cook for 30 seconds.

Add the tomatoes, salt, and wine.  Simmer 10 minutes.  Heat a large pot of salted water for the spaghetti and bring to a boil.  Add the spaghetti and set your timer for 1 minute less than the package directions.

When you have 8 minutes to go on the spaghetti, add the shrimp to the sauce with the lemon juice.  Cook for 3 minutes then turn to finish.

Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan with 2 tbsp. unsalted butter.  Cook for 1 minute longer to marry the flavors.

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh Italian parsley and shaved Parmigiano.

Notes ♪♫ I know the food police will say that combining cheese with seafood flies in the face of Italian culinary tradition.  But when I had this dish at a restaurant, it came topped with Parmesan shavings and let me tell you it was out of this world!  Use the good stuff, real Parmigiano Reggiano, shaved fresh right before serving.  I am 100% Italian and trust me, it’s wonderful.

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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 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:

  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 stalk celery, small dice
  • 2 oz. pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • olive oil
  • 3/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 8 oz. gluten free pasta
  • fresh basil
  • fresh Italian parsley
  • parmesan cheese

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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Gluten Free Cannelloni with Béchamel

Did you ever spend the better part of a day working on a recipe, and think you may never make it again?  Because it’s too much work?  That’s how I was feeling as I worked on this dish – until I took that first bite.  Oh, my goodness, this was absolutely divine!

Cannelloni con Besciamella – Cannelloni with Béchamel is a labor-intensive dish that is well worth the time and effort, it is swoon worthy!  Recipes like this one are a wonderful way to pass a Sunday afternoon.  For those who can’t spend all that time, I have broken down the recipe into four steps, some of which can be made ahead.  So, whether you go for the entire recipe or spread it over 2 days, I’ve got you covered.  Also, see notes at the end for shortcuts!

8 Servings

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The pasta dough was made with Better Batter Original Blend, and I used my KitchenAid pasta roller attachment to roll out the sheets of fresh pasta.

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– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –  –

THE STEPS

1. the Marinara        2. the Filling        3. the Pasta        4. the Béchamel

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –  –

Step 1 – Make the marinara sauce (can be made ahead)

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan.  Add the onion and garlic and cook 2 minutes on low heat.  Add the tomato paste in the center of the pan.  Let it toast for a minute then stir it all together.

Add the tomatoes, seasoning, sugar and red pepper flakes.

Cover and simmer on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  I like to use a simmer mat, so the bottom doesn’t burn.  Toward the end of cooking, use a stick blender to process into a sauce.

Step 2 – Make the filling (can be made ahead)

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 lb. ground pork
  • 1/2 sweet onion, divided use
  • 1/3 cup white wine
  • 1 small carrot
  • 1 small celery stalk
  • salt, to taste
  • 2 tsp. tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/3 cup beef stock
  • 1 tsp. arrowroot flour
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 2/3 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp. fresh grated orange zest

Cut half of the sweet onion into small dice (about 1/3 cup).  Add the olive oil to a stainless-steel skillet on medium low heat.  Cook the diced onion and ground pork, breaking up the meat with a spatula.

Add the wine and continue cooking slowly, stirring frequently until most of the liquid evaporates.

Mince the carrot, celery and remaining onion in an electric chopper.

Add the minced veggies to the pork and stir well.

Make a spot in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste.  Let it toast for a minute before stirring it into the pork and veggies.

Add the broth with salt to taste.

Sprinkle the arrowroot evenly over the mixture and stir it in.  Simmer on low until the filling has thickened.  Stir in the baby spinach.  The filling should be moist, but not watery.

Transfer to a bowl and stir in the orange zest and parmesan.  Set it aside while you make the pasta and béchamel.

Step 3 – Make the pasta

Combine 140 g. flour and salt.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the eggs and olive oil together.  Add the flour mixture 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, adding more flour as needed, then begin increasing the roller setting each time until you have a sheet that is thin without tearing the dough.

For this recipe, setting 3 on a KitchenAid pasta roller attachment is the perfect thickness.  Repeat with each section and lay the sheets on floured parchment or wax paper.

Cut each section into 5-6″ pieces.

Step 4 – Make the Béchamel

  • 1-1/2 tbsp. butter
  • 1-1/2 tbsp. arrowroot flour
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup stock (chicken, beef or vegetable)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a small nonstick saucepan.  Whisk in the arrowroot flour and cook 2-3 minutes over low heat, whisking constantly.

Drizzle in the milk, cream and broth and whisk continuously until thickened.  Season with salt and pepper.  Keep warm.

Assemble!

Finally!  The hard work is done, and it’s time to assemble.  Preheat the oven to 400º.

Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.  Ladle enough marinara to cover the bottom of the pan, and top with a few ladles of Béchamel.

Spoon the filling evenly onto each section of pasta.

Roll each section into a cylinder and arrange the bundles in a single layer, seam side down in the casserole dish.

Spread the remaining sauce over the cannelloni, then top with more Béchamel.  Be sure that all of the pasta is generously covered with the sauce, including the edges.  Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan cheese and cover the dish with foil.

Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

As the pasta bakes it will absorb liquid and thicken the sauce.  The filling is delicious and moist.  Garnish with fresh basil and dig in!

Notes:

♪ I won’t tell if you use a gluten free jar sauce (wink!).

♫ Use a wine that you can/would drink.  Do NOT use cooking wine!

♪♫ Don’t skip the fresh orange zest.  It adds a subtle burst of amazing flavor to the finished dish!

♫♫ Homemade pasta is fabulous, but if you’re not up to the task, try to find fresh gluten free lasagna sheets such as Taste Republic.  You will need about 8 lasagna sheets for this recipe.  Lay them out on floured parchment and cut each sheet in half.  I do not recommend using dry pasta in this recipe, as it needs to be cooked in advance in order to roll properly and will not absorb enough liquid, resulting in a soggy finished dish.

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Gluten Free Peas and Elbows

Do you get bored with the same old side dishes?  I tend to always go with rice or potatoes for dinner, but it gets monotonous!  So, here’s a little something I made to change things up one weekend.  I served it with steak, but this nifty little side dish would go well with chicken or pork chops too!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1 cup gluten free chicken stock
  • 1 cup (3 oz.) gluten free elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, defrosted
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 heaping tbsp. shredded parmesan
  • 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • sea salt, to taste
  • fresh chives, for garnish

Preparation:

In a small nonstick saucepan, sauté the onion in 1 tbsp. olive oil until the onions are translucent.

Add 1 cup gluten free chicken broth, 1 cup water, salt to taste and seasoning of choice.  Bring to a simmer and add the elbows, cook to package directions.  With 5 minutes left on cook time, add the peas and simmer 5 minutes longer.

Stir in 1 tbsp. butter, a heaping tbsp. of cheese (or more if you like) and transfer to a serving bowl.

Garnish with fresh chives or parsley.  I love this easy side, so it will definitely be going into the dinner rotation!

Notes ♪♫ I used Jovial brown rice elbows in this recipe.  One of my favorite brands of gluten free pasta, I was thrilled to find elbows at the store.  If they aren’t available where you live, you can get them here on Amazon.

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Gluten Free Gnocchi with Sausage

Homemade Gnocchi are my favorite pasta to prepare on a Sunday afternoon.  There is something soothing about rolling these dumplings one by one.  The joy only continues when it is time to eat!

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My long-time readers know that I am a huge fan of Better Batter.  You have all heard me sing the praises of their Artisan Flour Blend, for making yeasted bread and pizza.  But did you know, it also makes the most wonderful pasta?  Yes, this beautiful tray of gnocchi was made with the flour that I call my little miracle in a bag!

When you shop Better Batter and use my code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item!

Paired with a simple sauce we had a wonderful Sunday dinner for two.

Ingredients:

  • 120g. Better Batter Artisan Flour Blend
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp. egg whites
  • 1-1/2 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • ——————————-
  • 2 Italian sausage links, sliced into coins
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. basil
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil

Preparation:

  1. Combine the first 6 ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer (flour through water).  Beat with the paddle attachment to form a soft dough.
  2. Bring the dough into a ball, and cover with plastic wrap.  Rest at room temperature 20 minutes.
  3. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and dust with gluten free flour.  Place the dough ball on a floured cutting board and divide into 4 pieces.
  4. Working with 1 section at a time, roll the dough into a long rope, 1/2″ thick.  Cut the rope into 3/4″ pieces and roll each piece over a floured gnocchi board or fork.
  5. Place the formed gnocchi on the baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to cook.

For the sauce, add olive oil to a stock pot or deep skillet and begin cooking the onions, until translucent.  Add the sausage coins and brown on both sides.  Next add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.  Add the tomato sauce, basil and oregano.  Simmer 30 minutes.

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.  Add the gnocchi and cook for 3 minutes.  Fresh pasta cooks quickly, don’t overcook!

Drain the pasta and add to the sauce, tossing well to incorporate.

Serve with grated cheese.

Notes ♪♫ Love gnocchi?  There are so many ways to make it!  Check out this Gluten Free Gnocchi with Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower.  Or how about Potato Gnocchi with Cassava Flour?  Or, if you love sweet potato, check out this Sweet Potato Gnocchi made with white and sweet potato!

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Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Pie Tartlets

Rice Pie (Torta di Riso) is a traditional Italian dessert served at Easter.  When I was growing up, every Italian household had Rice Pie during Easter week and it is still widely enjoyed today.  You might be surprised to know that the recipe contains no flour at all and most of the ingredients are naturally gluten free!

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I jazzed up the plain rice pie we had as kids with toasted hazelnuts, candied orange peel and chocolate chips.  Instead of a pie dish, I opted for this mini fluted tart pan to create 6 individual servings.  Perfect for small Easter gatherings!

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 325°.

Line the tart pan with paper baking cups and mist with cooking spray.

Add milk to a saucepan and heat to a simmer.  Add the rice and stir.  Next stir in the sugar, vanilla and ½ tsp. hazelnut extract.

Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered on low for 45 minutes.

Hint!  Do not walk away while the rice is cooking!  You will need to stir frequently and watch that it doesn’t burn or boil over!  

Remove the cooked rice from the stove, transfer to a bowl and let it cool slightly before combining the rice with the egg mixture (you do not want to cook the eggs).

Whisk the eggs and ricotta in a large bowl. Add the remaining ½ tsp. of hazelnut extract.

Fold in the toasted hazelnuts, candied orange peel and chocolate chips.

Gradually add the rice to the egg mixture, one scoop at a time to temper the eggs.  Stir well after each addition of rice until it is completely incorporated.

Divide the mixture evenly among the 6 cups, each should be about 2/3 full (they will rise to the top during baking).

Bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes.  Check with a toothpick and touch the center with your finger (it should feel set, no liquid). Remove from the oven, and while still warm, brush the tops lightly with Frangelico (optional, if serving to adults).

Cool completely in the pan.

Serve the tartlets at room temperature or chilled.  Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and powdered sugar.

This showstopper of a dessert is bound to become one of your Easter favorites!  I know it will at our house!

Notes ♪♫ Carnaroli Rice is widely regarded as the best for making risotto and it is worth seeking out if you can’t find it at the grocery store.  It is a high-quality short grain rice with a wonderful texture that is perfect for making risotto that is creamy but firm.  If you cannot find Carnaroli rice locally, it is available here on Amazon or substitute Arborio rice.

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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.

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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.

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