Make Sure To Read This Before Making Your Next Meal
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a gluten allergy or are looking to start a gluten-free diet, you might be wondering which foods you need to avoid. There are the big ones, like bread and other baked goods made with flour. There are also some foods that you may not even think about, like those tasty, crunchy croutons on a healthy salad.
First, it’s important to understand what croutons are. Croutons are small pieces of bread that have been baked or fried until they are crispy. They’re commonly used in salads, soups, or as a snack. Now, bread is usually made from wheat, and wheat contains gluten. So, normally, croutons are not gluten-free.
Now, let’s talk about why wheat has gluten. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. When these grains are mixed with water, the gluten proteins form a sticky network that has a glue-like consistency. This network acts like an elastic and can stretch when you knead the dough. That’s what gives bread its unique structure and texture. If you’ve ever seen a chef kneading dough, they’re helping to form this gluten network.
Finally, why does this matter? Some people have health conditions, like celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, that make it hard for their bodies to digest or process gluten. Eating gluten can make these folks feel pretty sick. That’s why it’s so important for them to know if foods like croutons are gluten-free. So, unless the package specifically says the croutons are gluten-free, which means they were made with gluten-free ingredients, it’s best to assume they contain gluten. Remember, it’s always smart to check food labels if you’re unsure!
However, every single product we make at Dare to Be Different is gluten-free. Not only that, our pizza crusts, snack crisps, and delicious gnocchi are certified kosher too. And our newest product, Cauliflower Crumbs, is the perfect crouton substitute for when you want to add a little crunch to your favorite recipes. If you’re looking for some inspiration to get started, check out a few of our favorite crouton-based recipes, that have been adapted to be gluten-free, below!
Chicken Caesar Wrap with Greek Dressing
A healthy, gluten-free chicken wrap is delicious, friendly, and straightforward. In under an hour, you can have a light meal ready and they also keep great for lunch the next day. This quick, nutrient-packed meal can be even more fulfilling than a traditional salad!
Ingredients
-Spinach tortillas
-1 cup pulled chicken breast (this recipe is all about efficiency, so feel free to pick up a cooked rotisserie chicken from the store)
-½ cup Dare to Be Different Cauliflower Crumbs
-2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
-¼ cup pickled red onions, sliced thin
-Greek vinaigrette salad dressing
Instructions
- Add the lettuce and chicken into a medium sized bowl. Mix.
- Add pickled red onions and Dare to Be Different Cauliflower Crumbs. Mix.
- Finally, add a small amount of greek salad dressing. Mix.
- Divide the mixture between wraps, gently roll, and serve!
French Onion Soup
Rich and flavorful, a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day can take all of your cares away. Unfortunately, not only do those tasty croutons or crackers on top contain gluten, many soups are made from a flour-based roux. Try out this twist on a Northern France classic at your next gluten-free table.
Ingredients
-4 cups sweet onions, slivered
-½ cup salted butter
-4 cups vegetable broth
-2 cups water
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-2 teaspoons brown sugar
-2 teaspoons salt
-1 teaspoon ground black pepper
-½ cup white wine
-2 bay leaves
-1 cup gruyere cheese
-1 cup Dare to Be Different Cauliflower Crumbs
Instructions
- In a pan, add a stick of butter. Allow it to melt a little then add the sliced onions to the pan. Cover.
- Cook the onions on medium heat for 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add garlic, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir it in and cover the pan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until the onions are caramelized.
- Pour the onions into a soup pout. Add broth, wine, water, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover the pot and simmer on low for an hour.
- When the soup is done, use a ladle to pour into bowls.
- Top each bowl with a handful of Dare to Be Different Cauliflower Crumbs and then the Gruyere cheese.
- Place bowls in a baking dish and put under the broiler until the cheese is melted.
Glazed Meatloaf
Are you on the hunt for a delicious gluten-free dinner that will leave you feeling completely satisfied? This spin on meatloaf is sure to become a gluten-free staple at your house. Using Dare to Be Different Cauliflower Crumbs and opting for a ketchup glaze instead of a cheesy crust make this meal both gluten- and kosher-friendly. Baked to perfection, even the pickiest eaters will love this dish. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
-1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
-½ cup Dare to Be Different Cauliflower Crumbs
-2 tablespoons almond milk
-1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves
-1 teaspoon Kosher salt
-½ teaspoon ground black pepper
-1 small onion, finely chopped
-1 egg
-2 tablespoons of ketchup
-1 tablespoon of mustard
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients, except ketchup and mustard in a bowl, then spread the mixture into a loaf pan.
- Combine the ketchup and mustard in a small bowl and spread over meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature is 160 F. When done, let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Gluten-Free Eating Is Easy With Dare to Be Different
Want to find more recipes and info about gluten-free and kosher eating? Visit our online store to try more of our delicious range of broccoli and cauliflower based products.
