Whether you want to treat your child, grandchild, neighbor’s kids, or yourself to a color explosion, this gluten free rainbow pasta can do the trick. The method of making rainbow pasta depends upon the food coloring that you decide to use. Use gluten free gel food coloring to produce vibrant colors, natural food coloring for more muted colors, or liquid for in between. They all work a bit differently. Read on to learn brands of gluten free food coloring and which method to use for the type you choose.
***Allergens depend upon the pasta and food coloring that you use.***
Gel and Liquid (Artificial) Food Coloring:
I prefer to use natural food coloring whenever possible. However, when I need a really bright and bold color, I do use gel food coloring. However, those with food allergies should avoid artificial coloring. Liquid and gel food coloring are artificial.
Natural Food Coloring:
Natural food coloring doesn’t usually stay its color in baked goods unless it is baked at an extremely low temperature. One exception, though, is yellow where one can use turmeric powder for coloring. So, when using natural food coloring, try it in frosting, this recipe, and no-baked fillings, custards, puddings, etc.
AmeriColor Gel Food Coloring Allergen Information:
Peanuts: NO
Tree Nuts: NO
Dairy or Dairy Derivative: NO
Gluten: NO
Sesame Seeds: NO
Poppy Seeds: NO
Caraway Seeds: NO
Shellfish/Fish: NO
Corn or Corn Derivatives: YES
Preservatives: YES
Glutamates: NO
Aspartame/Phenylalanine: NO
Artificial Flavoring: NO
McCormick Food Coloring Example of Ingredients:
Red: Water, Propylene Glycol, FD&C Reds 40 and 3, and 0.1% Propylparben (Preservative).
Seelect Tea Liquid Food Coloring Examples of Ingredients:
Cherry Red: Water, Plant & Vegetable Extract.
Forest Green: Water, Glycerine, Plant & Vegetable Extract (No Chlorophyll).
Gluten Free Rainbow Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 ounces brown rice spaghetti Jovial
- 1- quart water
- Gluten-free food coloring of choice AmeriColor gel, McCormick liquid, or Seelect Tea natural*
Instructions
To Make the Pasta:
-
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Do not add any oil. Add the spaghetti. If you are using a small saucepan, hold the pasta and begin to bend it, sinking it further and further into the water until it is fully covered. Set the timer for 12 minutes. Bring back to boil and lower heat to a low boil. (If you’re using a different brown rice pasta just be sure to cook the pasta slightly al dente/chewy.)
-
Once the pasta cooks, add cold water to the saucepan to stop the pasta from further cooking. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Using Gel Food Coloring:
-
Add some pasta (about 1/5 if you are using 5 colors) to individual sandwich baggies or glass bowls. Add just enough water to cover the pasta, 2 - 4 tablespoons. Add a few drops of gel food coloring. Swish the pasta around until it reaches your desired color. Add additional coloring as needed. Drain the liquid from the bowl/bag directly down the drain as to not stain a porcelain sink. Rinse the pasta with fresh water and set aside. (I like to place mine on paper towels just long enough to absorb excess moisture/color. If you rinsed the pasta well enough, it won’t stick to the paper towels.) Place the pasta in a serving bowl. Repeat with the other colors.
Using Liquid Food Coloring:
-
Follow the above instructions, but use 12 drops of coloring per every 2 tablespoons of water.
Using Natural Food Coloring:
-
Add some pasta (about 1/5 if you are using 5 colors) to each of five glass bowls or sandwich baggie. Add about 1 teaspoon of Seelect Tea food coloring and swish around the bowl for about 1 – 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the food coloring. Rinse the pasta off with cold water and set on paper towels to dry for a minute or two. (If you rinsed the pasta well, it will not stick to the paper towels.) Repeat with other colors.
To Serve:
-
Add all of the pasta to a bowl and add butter or dairy-free margarine and salt. Microwave on “Reheat Dinner Plate” to warm.
Tips
*Seelect Tea food coloring comes in natural as well as organic. To
Make the Color Purple:
Combine red and blue to make purple. Then add the tiniest bit of white, if you have some (AmeriColor makes some). White will make the color brighter. Don't add too much or it will turn lavender.