Fajitas with Spanish Rice

Fajitas are easily adapted to the gluten free diet, since most of the ingredients are naturally gluten free!  Steak, peppers and onions cooked stovetop on the griddle with a side of Spanish Rice.  I served it all with gluten free corn tortillas, salsa and sliced fresh mango.

You have probably seen fajitas traditionally cooked and served in a cast iron pan like this one.  They make a great presentation, coming to the table with a sizzle.  But – if you don’t have one, or if like me you can’t lift cast iron pans anymore, it’s perfectly fine to use a nonstick griddle or skillet to cook this fun meal.

I mixed up my own seasoning blend for this recipe.  I always have a large collection of individual spices on hand, so I can blend together just enough for a specific meal with nothing wasted.  Another benefit is that I can adjust the flavors to my liking.  More heat?  Add more chipotle.  Don’t like cumin?  Just leave it out.  You get the idea.

For my friends who love spicy food, you are going to want to make this meal!  I loved the Spanish rice.  Considering I make rice several times a week, this was a nice change from my usual preparation.

4 servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

Seasoning:

  • 1 tsp. crushed chipotle chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt

Fajitas:

  • 3/4 lb. sirloin, skirt steak or flank steak, sliced thin
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, sliced thin
  • 1/2 medium red onion, sliced thin
  • 1 lime, half juiced and half for serving
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • gluten free tortillas for serving
  • salsa, for serving (this one is my favorite)
  • fresh mango, for serving (optional, my favorite!)

Preparation:

Combine the spices and mix well.

Add the sliced peppers and onions to a medium bowl with 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. of the spice blend.

In a separate bowl, toss the beef strips with 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. of the spice blend.

Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet and warm the tortillas, about 30 seconds per side.  Remove to a plate and keep warm.

Add the peppers and onions to the griddle and cook to crisp tender, stirring occasionally.

Push the veggies to the back of the griddle and add the meat.  Cook quickly about 1 minute per side.

Toss with the peppers and onions and squeeze the juice from 1/2 lime over the top.  Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with the tortillas, lime wedges, rice and salsa.

Spanish Rice Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 2 tbsp. minced bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp. tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. fajita seasoning (from above)

Preparation:

In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, onion and bell pepper and cook over medium low heat until the onions are translucent.  Stir in the rice, tomato sauce and chicken broth.  Cover and cook 15 minutes.  Garnish with cilantro.

Notes ♪♫ Truth be told, I was not a fan of the store-bought gluten free tortillas.  Next time I will make them myself, but that’s another blog post!  Sometimes you need a shortcut, right?  And this dinner was a success in every other way. 🙂

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Fig Squares

Another bucket list recipe, this one is bound to become a holiday favorite.  It was adapted from an old family recipe and other than the fig preserves, the ingredients are pantry staples.  A layer of shortbread, spread with preserves and topped with a delicious crumble, they are delightfully sticky and sweet. Everything a dessert should be.

This post contains affiliate links.

I used Better Batter Original Gluten Free Flour in this recipe.  It is a high-quality gluten free flour that will never let you down!  Shop Better Batter and use my Promo Code MGFC30 to receive 30% off your non-sale purchase!

Ingredients:   

*Contains Oats – see notes

Crust

Filling

  • 13 oz. jar fig preserves (I used Bonne Maman) it has a gluten free label!

Topping

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350º.  Line a 9 x 9″ square pan with parchment and mist with cooking spray.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, sugar and vanilla with the whisk attachment.

Switch to the paddle attachment and add the flour.  Beat together to form a soft dough.

Press the dough into an even layer in the lined baking pan.  It will be wet and sticky, for best results use your fingertips!

Bake for 15 minutes.  The center should be set and the edges lightly browned.  Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Spread the fig preserves over the crust.

Add the cold butter, flour and brown sugar to a small food processor or electric chopper.  Pulse a few times to incorporate the butter until crumbly.

Transfer to a bowl and combine with the oats (if using) and ground walnuts.  Spread the mixture evenly over the fig preserves.

Place the pan on top of another baking sheet (so the bottom doesn’t burn) and bake for 17-20 minutes.  The edges should be bubbling and the top lightly browned.

Cool in the pan for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Slice into 16 squares and serve at room temperature or refrigerate if you like them chilled.  They go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.  They will keep a bit longer in the fridge.  To freeze, place squares between sheets of waxed paper and place in a freezer safe bag or airtight container.  Thaw them in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

I’m so pleased with how this came out!

Notes ♪♫ Oats continue to be highly controversial when it comes to celiac disease.  Whether or not you consume oats is a personal choice.  I only use certified gluten free oats that are produced under a purity protocol in my recipes.  

Print This Post Print This Post

Sausage Stuffed Turkey Rolls

Italian sausage, crumbled with celery and panko, all rolled up in thin sliced turkey cutlets.  This was one of my favorite meals of late.  A bit reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, minus the 20 side dishes but still nice enough to serve to guests!

For this recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, and buying thin sliced turkey cutlets makes the prep easy.  I like the 4-pack from Shady Brook Farms, available at local grocers like Stop & Shop, and Perdue also has a similar product available at Walmart.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. thin sliced turkey breast cutlets (4 cutlets)
  • 6 oz. Italian Sausage (2 links)
  • 1 small celery stalk, minced
  • 1/4 cup gluten free panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Heat olive in a stainless-steel skillet and begin cooking the sausage and celery, breaking up the meat with a spatula.

Brown the meat (it does not have to be cooked through), then transfer to an electric chopper and pulse a few times to further break down the meat into small crumbles.

Return to the skillet to finish cooking.  Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and set aside to cool.

Lay the turkey cutlets on a baking sheet or flat work surface.

Spread the sausage mixture over the turkey cutlets and roll them up, securing with toothpicks.  Wipe the skillet clean.  Add a little more olive oil and begin browning the cutlets starting with the seam side down.

Continue turning to quickly brown on all sides.  Do not cook through, they will finish in the oven.

Mist a baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375º.  If you had any extra sausage stuffing, spread it in the bottom of the dish.  Add the turkey rolls.

Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160º (check with a thermometer).

Serve with a side of wild rice and Mushroom Sauce or Turkey Gravy.

Notes ♪♫ The mushroom sauce that I spooned over the turkey rolls came out so good that I thought it deserved its own post.  Who knew?  Get the recipe here!

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Mushroom Sauce

This sauce was something I threw together to accompany a weeknight meal, almost an afterthought.  I am usually not one for sauces and gravies, but Mr. Cucina loved this Mushroom Sauce so much, that I thought it deserved a post of its own.

The first time I made it we were having pork chops.  Since then, my husband has declared it to be wonderful ladled over poultry, steaks and meatloaf as well.

Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream was unexpectedly good.  At first, you really taste the yogurt tang, but as the sauce rests it becomes less pronounced.  It gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. button mushrooms, sliced thin
  • 4 oz. sweet onion, small dice
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp. arrowroot starch/flour
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 3 oz. plain Greek yogurt
  • salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Add 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. butter to a small skillet.  Add the onion and cook until translucent.

Add the mushrooms and stir, cooking several minutes longer or until they release their liquid.  Set aside to cool.

In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tbsp. butter.  Add the arrowroot flour and whisk, whisk, whisk!

Lower heat and continue cooking (don’t stop whisking!) until the roux has some color, like this.

Stream in the wine and broth, whisking constantly to keep lumps from forming.  There’s our sauce taking shape!

Next stir in the mushrooms and onions.

Remove from the heat and whisk in the yogurt.

This sauce goes well with so many things.  Beef, poultry, pork…  I am especially proud of this next recipe for Sausage Stuffed Turkey Rolls.  Paired with the Mushroom Sauce and a side of wild rice, this was a great meal.  Check it out here!

Notes ♪♫ Don’t shy away from making a roux!  I used to be so intimidated about doing this, but it’s easy when you use arrowroot.  A beautiful, smooth roux every time!

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Meatloaf Ramekins

Look at these cute little ramekins!  They can elevate the humblest of meals to dinner party status!  Gluten Free Meatloaf Ramekins are fun to make and perfectly portioned for kids, small plates and small appetites.

You can vary the veggies in this meatloaf to suit your taste.  I used onion, zucchini and bell pepper.  Unlike my other meatloaf recipes, this one contains no oats.  So, if you can’t have oats or are avoiding them for the time being, this one is for you!

This post contains affiliate links.

Servings: 4 ramekins

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Heat olive oil in a small skillet and sauté the veggies until they have released their liquid and reduced to about 1/3 cup.  Season to taste.

Transfer to a bowl to cool (so you don’t cook the egg).

When cooled, whisk in the ketchup followed by the egg and more seasoning.

Next add the beef, working it in with your hands.  Gradually add the potato flakes and breadcrumbs and combine well.

Mist the ramekins with cooking spray and place them in a square baking dish.  This will make them easier to handle when going in and out of the oven.

Divide the meatloaf mixture between the 4 ramekins.  Top with ketchup and smooth the tops with a fork.

Bake at 375º for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150º (check with a thermometer).

Serve with ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce (my favorite is Stubbs Smokey Mesquite).

Notes ♪♫ Love ramekins?  Check out my Shepherd’s Pie Ramekins and Ramekin Stuffing cups!

Print This Post Print This Post

Barramundi with Lemon Butter Sauce

The price of seafood has increased so much in the last few years!  No wonder I am always on the lookout for a bargain, especially in the frozen section.

That’s where this caught my eye, a 12 oz. package of Barramundi Fillets for less than $10, perfect for seafood night!

This post contains affiliate links.

Also known as Asian Sea Bass, this white fish has a firm but delicate texture and a mild, sweet taste.  The wine-lemon-butter sauce really brings out the flavor of this fish without overpowering it.  It can be pan cooked or oven baked in under 30 minutes!

Dinner for two

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Melt 1 tbsp. butter in a nonstick grill pan or skillet.  Add the fillets, season with Old Bay and cook 5 minutes.

Turn the fish over.  Add the remaining 1 tbsp. butter, wine and juice of 1/2 lemon to the pan.  Cook 5 minutes longer.

Oven Preparation:

Alternately, you can add the fillets, seasoning, wine, lemon and butter to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes at 400º.

To plate, sprinkle with a little more Old Bay and garnish with fresh chives.  Here I served with short grain brown rice and sugar snap peas.

Notes ♪♫ You do not need an array of seasonings or sauces for most seafood dishes.  Keep it simple and let the flavor of the fish take the spotlight.  If you are making a seafood dish and don’t know what seasoning to use, just sprinkle with Old Bay, it is a natural for seafood and has been around (and gluten free) since 1939.

Print This Post Print This Post

Gluten Free Apple Pie

There is nothing like a homemade pie for a special occasion.  Just look at that crust!  Apple pie was the first pie that I learned to make, and it is still my favorite!

Before my Celiac diagnosis, I used to buy the refrigerated pastry dough in the red box (remember those days?) for my pies.  Today I use this easy make ahead Gluten Free Pie Crust, and always keep it on hand in my freezer so I’m ready to make a dessert pie, meat pie or quiche.

The filling was adapted from Taste of Home, an old classic from back in the day.  I always use Honeycrisp apples for pie, they are excellent for cooking and baking.  You can use other firm apples like Braeburn, Cortland or Granny Smith.  My apples were quite large, so I only used 4 for this recipe.  For medium sized apples you will need 5-6.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • gluten free pastry dough for double pie crust (recipe here)
  • 5-6 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp. gluten free flour (I used Better Batter Original)
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. egg whites

This post contains affiliate links.

Preparation:

The first thing you’ll want to do is roll out that pie dough.  If you had it in the freezer, let it defrost in the refrigerator the day before then leave at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling.

The easiest way to roll the dough is to lay it on a sheet of lightly floured parchment and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap.  Take your time rolling the dough, until it is large enough to fit your pie dish.  Place the rolled-out dough in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

Next, whisk together the sugars, flour, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a small bowl.

Squeeze the lemon juice into a large bowl.  Peel and dice the apples and add to the bowl, tossing with the lemon juice after each addition.

Combine the sugar mixture with the apples and toss well to coat.

Now for the moment of truth.  Place one sheet of pastry dough in the pie dish.  The easiest way to do this is to remove the plastic wrap and flip the dough onto the pie dish.

Carefully peel away the parchment and ease the dough into the dish like this.

Whew, look at that it worked!  Now trim the edges and use the extra pieces to patch any cracks or holes.

Fill with the apple mixture and dot with the butter.

Use the same technique to place the top sheet of pastry dough.  Fold the edges over and crimp, it doesn’t have to be fancy.

Cut slits to allow steam to escape.  Whisk the egg white, and brush all over the top.

Place the pie on a sheet pan (in case it drips) and arrange strips of foil loosely around the edges.  Don’t press the foil into the dough (it may stick).

Bake for 25 minutes at 375º.  Use tongs to remove the foil then bake an additional 25 minutes.

Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.  It smells so good you will have a hard time waiting!

Notes ♪♫ Pie crust has always been my nemesis.  That is, until I learned to make this incredible Gluten Free Cream Cheese Pie Crust, then a whole new world of gluten free baking opened up.  Try it, I promise it is easy to prepare and rolls like a dream!

Apple Pie filling adapted from Taste of Home

Print This Post Print This Post

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!

This post contains affiliate links.

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.

Print This Post Print This Post

Ginger Bok Choy Egg Drop Soup

This Asian inspired soup is just the thing for a light dinner or first course.  If you love Egg Drop Soup, you will love this adaptation that combines the best of Egg Drop and Ginger Bok Choy.  Only a few ingredients are needed, and since it does not require all day simmering you can throw it together after work.  Stir in a beaten egg and rice noodles just before serving and it’s ready to eat!

This was quite a bit different than my usual soups, but the recipe is a keeper!  So good for those chilly nights, or when you’re feeling under the weather.

This post contains affiliate links.

4 servings

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Heat 1 tsp. sesame oil and 1 tsp. olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven.  Mince the garlic and ginger (I used an electric chopper) and add to the pot.  Cook for 30 seconds then add the sliced mushrooms.

Stir until the mushrooms release their liquid, then add the bone broth, 2 tsp. of tamari and 1 tsp. sesame oil (or more, to taste).  Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Trim away the tough, lower part of the Bok choy, then rinse and halve the leaves.  Stir them into the soup to wilt and lower the heat to keep warm.

Cook the rice noodles in a separate pan according to package directions.  Just prior to serving, drizzle the beaten egg into the soup and swirl it around with a whisk.  Add the cooked rice noodles.

Ladle into bowls and serve with Chow Mein noodles for texture (optional), or a simple garnish of green onions if you want to keep it simple.

Notes ♪♫ I love these extra wide rice noodles from A Taste of Thai.  I was able to find them locally, but if not available in your area you can get them here at Amazon.  I use Coconut Aminos in my Asian recipes, but if you are not limiting salt, try Gluten Free Tamari.

Print This Post Print This Post

 

 

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!

This post contains affiliate links.

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!

Print This Post Print This Post