Gluten Free Empanadas

Image: Gluten Free Empanadas

Empanadas are a popular pastry found in the Caribbean, the Philippines, Latin America, Portugal, and Spain. The fillings are typically gluten-free. They are filled with various ingredients, whether sweet or savory, depending upon which part of the world they are made. They tend to be on the dry side, therefore, I used a rich creamy, flaky dough in my gluten free empanadas. Adding a juicy filling is advised, however, it will most likely leak out of the pastry dough and burn while baking. Cheese is a common ingredient in savory empanadas to avoid this dryness, and prevent leaking. You can add ground meat: chicken, beef with cheese, or plain cheese, along with sauteed vegetables and spices. If you find them dry you can make a dip, as well -an avocado dip, salsa, sour cream, etc. This gluten-free recipe is made on the Argentina flavor side, yet a little different. What type of filling will you make? Check out the different types of empanada in different parts of the world and choose your favorite or experiment! You’ll enjoy making gluten-free empanadas because you can be so creative!

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Gluten Free Frittata Muffins

Gluten-free Frittata Minis

Frittata is naturally gluten-free, depending upon the filling. These little muffins are ideal because you can make them healthy, vegetarian, cheesy and more! They would be great to make over the weekend so that you can have breakfast ready for you before you head on out the door on weekday mornings. In addition, they make a wonderful and attractive dish for your guests, whether it is breakfast, brunch or lunch! If you have a mini muffin pan you can even make adorable appetizers! Whether low-carb or low-sodium, they definitely can be made gluten-free! Continue reading “Gluten Free Frittata Muffins”

Gluten Free Roasted Red Pepper Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Red Bello Pepper Mashed Potatoes - Naturally Gluten Free

I went to my favorite Italian restaurant that caters to those on a gluten-free diet and they made up something special for me, along with their delicious roasted red pepper mashed potatoes! Ever since I have been meaning to create my own recipe. These can be made dairy-free by using a butter or margarine substitute, however, I used butter on mine. I thought my husband who likes to eat American style, meat and potatoes, may not enjoy these gluten free roasted red pepper mashed potatoes over regular mashed potatoes, but he did! And it is now our new fave! I hope you enjoy them, as well! Continue reading “Gluten Free Roasted Red Pepper Mashed Potatoes”

Gluten-Free Chili Without Beans and Tomatoes

No Bean No Tomato Chili

As most of you know most of my gluten-free recipes are made without tomatoes due to food allergies. This one is no different. I tried to make this chili recipe more on the milder side so that it is kid friendly. If making it for children, only use half the amount of cayenne or leave it out all together. You can substitute the little sugar for anything sweet: agave, molasses, etc. I have made a similar recipe before, but it contained red and green bell peppers; and another with meat and green chile. If you have tomato allergies or just watching the carbs this recipe is for you! This one is wonderful when used for chili cheese fries! Continue reading “Gluten-Free Chili Without Beans and Tomatoes”

Basil Almond Gluten Free Pesto Sauce

Image: Gluten Free Pesto Spaghetti

My father is visiting us and he’s 100% Italian. I just had to make him some of my famous gluten free pesto sauce! The most delicious pesto sauce I have ever made contained blanched, slivered almonds instead of pine nuts. Since I had about 2 tablespoons of pine nuts left, I used them up by substituting them for 2 tablespoons of almonds. Dad loved it, even went back for seconds! Perhaps not the healthiest meal for someone in their 90s, but hey, he’s on vacation, and the garlic is extremely healthy! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did.

UPDATE: I’ve since made this recipe using all almonds (soaked overnight and skin removed) and it was just as delicious, if not more! Continue reading “Basil Almond Gluten Free Pesto Sauce”

Gluten Free Savory Quinoa Recipe

Gluten Free Savory Quinoa Recipe

I love this quinoa recipe! Years ago when I first began my gluten-free diet, I tried a quinoa pasta, but it made me bloated. I finally got around to cooking quinoa and I love it! What a great grain, actually it’s they are seeds, related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds. I find quinoa to be very unique in flavor, in between rice and pasta. Of course, I had to top mine off with some grated parmesan and romano cheese – must be the Italian in me!  Enjoy this savory quinoa recipe! I sure did! Continue reading “Gluten Free Savory Quinoa Recipe”

Himalayan Red Rice Recipe

Himalayan Red Rice and White Rice

This Himalayan red rice recipe is great with added heat, such as gluten-free hot sauce or gluten free chipotle sauce.  It is almost reminds me of red beans and white rice, with a slight nutty flavor. However, I would definitely use red rice alone in soup for added protein and fiber.  Himalayan red rice is formally known as Bhutanese red rice, but because it is grown in the Himalayan Mountains most people refer to it as Himalayan red rice. It is slightly sticky after cooking and contains more bran than brown rice. It is “rich in B vitamins, iron and calcium. The reddish color of red rice is due to an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which is currently being studied in relation to the alleviation of chronic health conditions.” *  Himalayan red rice is not the same as red yeast rice which is associated with the same side effects as statin (high cholesterol) drugs.  Red yeast rice is fermented and Himalayan red rice is not. Continue reading “Himalayan Red Rice Recipe”

Gluten-Free Breaded Zucchini Kabobs

My best recipes are created when I am hungry, and this one is no different. My husband and I loved these broiled, breaded, gluten-free zucchini kabobs! Making them as kabobs just dressed them a bit more, but you can definitely make them separately by using toothpicks instead of kabob sticks. I will definitely use this zucchini kabobs recipe for entertaining. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! Continue reading “Gluten-Free Breaded Zucchini Kabobs”

Gluten Free Spanish Rice No Tomatoes

Image: Gluten Free Spanish Rice Without Tomatoes

Gluten free Spanish rice without tomatoes you ask? With tomato allergies dishes are challenging enough, without even considering the gluten-free diet. So when cooking Mexican food I need to be creative. Most Spanish rice dishes are usually naturally gluten-free, but this gluten-free Spanish rice contains taco seasoning and many commercial ones may contain gluten. If you do not have gluten-free taco mix at hand see the recipe I provide below. Try it and spice up your next rice recipe! Continue reading “Gluten Free Spanish Rice No Tomatoes”