Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that prevents the body from absorbing gluten, a food found in many grain products. If you have celiac disease, you may feel symptoms of malaise, including upset stomach, diarrhea, irritability and mouth sores when you eat products containing gluten. Make a vow to stick to a gluten-free diet for a healthier, stronger body. This year, make gluten-free dinners at home that are both nutritious and healthy.
Gluten-Free Appetizers
Instead of filling up on starch before dinner, appetizers can be light, fresh dishes that intrigue the palate. Avoid gluten by using cucumber, zucchini or sweet potato medallions instead of crackers. These vegetables will remain firm when raw or cooked lightly, and cream cheese, smoked salmon and chives can be added on top.
A quesadilla appetizer can be made by placing grated cheese, chopped jalapeno peppers, cilantro, rice and fresh boiled chicken in between two corn tortillas and lightly frying it in olive oil on each side. The quesadilla can be cut into triangles and served as a finger food with dipping sauces like cream cheese, guacamole and chopped fresh tomatoes with garlic and cilantro.
Gluten-Free Entrees
Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy a variety of fresh meats and fish, provided they are not breaded or prepackaged. Eat gluten free red meat like beef or pork, and poultry like chicken or turkey. Fish like salmon, albacore tuna in water or oil, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent heart disease. For a gluten-free alternative to fried fish, white fish like cod can be coated with buttermilk, egg and buckwheat flour, then fried in a pan of peanut oil until brown on both sides. Pre-prepared meats, like lunch meat should be avoided, as they may contain gluten.
Gluten-Free Sides
People who have a gluten intolerance cannot eat traditional white or wheat pasta, but they can eat gluten-free pasta made with rice flour or buckwheat flour. Fresh vegetables like steamed broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, basil, garlic and chopped tomatoes can be added along with a drizzle of olive oil to create a light pasta side dish.
Additionally, gluten-free eaters can eat most fresh fruits and vegetables, so steamed vegetables of any kind are a nutritious side dish. Side salads are also a healthy choice, although breaded meats and lunch meats should not be added, nor should they add store-bought salad dressings, which may contain gluten. Instead, a small amount of balsamic vinegar and olive oil can be used as a dressing.
