Looking for some great-tasting, easy gluten-free meals that everyone will love? Woolworths’ nutrition expert Felicity has done the searching for you!
“As a dietitian, I know it can be challenging getting your head around planning and cooking meals for people with specific dietary requirements. Thankfully, these days, making tasty gluten-free food has never been easier, because, apart from the ever-increasing range of gluten-free items you can buy at Woolworths, there’s also a fantastic variety of simple, straightforward recipes that don’t need any special ingredients. My top picks here can all be made with everyday products you’ll find on Woolworths’ shelves, so give them a go – I’m sure they’ll quickly become part of your healthier recipe repertoire.”
- Felicity, Woolworths Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian
01
Healthier Thai fish cakes
This version of a popular Thai snack couldn’t be simpler or quicker to make, and it’s made with everyday ingredients, too. The fish cakes are made with canned salmon, which is packed full of healthy fats, and shallow-fried, a healthier cooking method than traditional deep frying. Remember to check the labelling on your cornflour packaging, to ensure it’s gluten free. Many cornflours are made from corn however there are some in the market made from Wheat so it is important to always check the label to ensure it is gluten free.
02
Jerk chicken with pineapple salsa
Adding flavouring with spices is even more important when you’re cooking for people with specific dietary needs, and it's a great way to add flavour without the need for added salt. There’s so much of that going on in this gluten-free recipe, with its lively spice-coated chicken and sweet, crunchy pineapple salsa. It packs quite a protein punch, too, from the chicken, quinoa and red kidney beans. If I don’t have quinoa in the pantry, I’ll often use microwave brown rice as an alternative.
03
Healthier grilled capsicums stuffed with brown rice salad
You could easily serve these flavour-packed stuffed capsicums as a fancy starter or as a side for a lamb roast at the weekend, but they also make a great vegetarian midweek dinner. I often make extra brown rice salad mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's the perfect lunchbox fare to take to work or for a quick break when you’re on the go at home and is just as delicious cold or at room temperature.
04
Healthier spanakopita-style stuffed mushrooms
This is such a great way to serve mushrooms, especially as we head into autumn and meaty, juicy portobellos come into season. Rather than cooking these on the barbecue, I’ll preheat the oven to high (220°C/200°C fan-forced) while I’m preparing the spinach mixture, then pile the filling on the uncooked mushroom caps and roast them on a baking tray. Delicious whichever way you do it!
05
Healthier spiced beef & green bean rice
This is one of my favourite ‘bowl food’ dinners. To reduce your time in the kitchen, try cooking the mince and tomato mixture, then stirring through microwave brown rice or a brown rice and quinoa mix at the end. I always have no added salt canned tomatoes in the pantry – they’re convenient, versatile and great value. If you don’t have any mint, sprinkle over fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley leaves instead.
06
Healthier spiced sweet potato & lentil soup
This must be one of my all-time favourite ‘meal soups’ – it’s like a dhal with benefits! Packed with veggies, as well as budget-busting canned lentils, it’s slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and extremely more- ish. In fact, it’s so satisfying, I’ll serve it for an easy midweek dinner. This is another recipe I’ll double-up on for a quick and easy lunch at home, to put in a flask for the office, or to freeze for another time.
07
Healthier cauliflower nachos
This easy one-tray bake is the perfect Saturday night treat. Roasting cauliflower transforms it into its sweet, tender best, and I never throw away the leaves – they roast to perfection, too. There’s plenty of evidence around the health benefits of ‘eating the rainbow’ – and this colourful family favourite certainly hits the mark. If you’re not keen on heat, swap out the chipotle in adobo sauce for tomato paste and a teaspoon each of smoked paprika and ground cumin.
08
Beetroot and feta quiche with sweet potato crust
Once you’ve tried this gluten-free vegetarian quiche, you’ll never look back. I love using the sweet potato ‘crust’ as a base for all sorts of other toppings, so don’t be afraid to use whatever veggies you might have in the crisper – broccoli florets, baby spinach and zucchini would work a treat, too.
Felicity is a Woolworths Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian, as well as a guest expert for Fresh Ideas’ health and nutrition content. Felicity loves helping Aussie families make healthier, easier choices that everyone can enjoy.
Felicity loves reformer pilates and playing with her dog, Raphael.