Tag

gluten-free

Browsing

Introduction: Understanding Gluten-Free Diet

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. People with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or sensitivity are unable to digest gluten, which can lead to inflammation and damage to their intestines. As a result, they have to avoid eating gluten-containing foods. The gluten-free diet has gained popularity in recent years, with more people opting for gluten-free options due to health concerns or personal preferences.

Overview of Zambian Cuisine

Zambian cuisine is diverse, with regional variations and influences from neighboring countries. The staple foods are maize, cassava, beans, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Meat, fish and poultry are also consumed, but in smaller quantities. Traditional Zambian dishes are usually simple, hearty and flavorful, often cooked over an open fire. Spices and herbs are used sparingly, with salt as the main seasoning. Zambian cuisine may not be as well-known as other African cuisines, but it has its own unique identity and charm.

Traditional Zambian Dishes with Gluten

Unfortunately, many traditional Zambian dishes contain gluten, either in the form of wheat flour or maize meal. Examples include nshima, a thick porridge made from maize meal that is a staple food; ifisashi, a vegetable stew thickened with groundnuts and maize flour; and kapenta, dried fish that is coated in flour before frying. These dishes are not suitable for people on a gluten-free diet, as they can cause digestive problems and other health issues.

Gluten-Free Alternatives in Zambian Cuisine

However, there are gluten-free alternatives that can be used in Zambian cuisine. For instance, cassava flour, also known as tapioca flour, can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in baking or thickening sauces. Millet, sorghum and rice are gluten-free grains that can be used to make porridge or bread. Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, can be used instead of wheat flour to thicken sauces, as they are high in protein and fat. Vegetables such as pumpkin leaves, okra and amaranth can also be used to add texture and flavor to dishes.

Popular Gluten-Free Zambian Dishes

Some of the popular gluten-free dishes in Zambian cuisine are munkoyo, a fermented drink made from cassava or millet; chikanda, a snack made from groundnuts and spices; and chikwanga, a steamed cake made from cassava flour and coconut milk. These dishes are not only delicious, but also nutritious and suitable for people on a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion: Embracing Gluten-Free Options in Zambian Cuisine

While traditional Zambian cuisine may not be entirely gluten-free, there are plenty of options available for people who need to avoid gluten. By using gluten-free alternatives and experimenting with new ingredients, Zambian cuisine can become more inclusive and diverse. It is important to raise awareness of gluten-free diet and to promote healthy eating habits that cater to everyone’s needs. With the right knowledge and creativity, gluten-free options can be embraced and celebrated in Zambian cuisine.

Mozambican Cuisine: Dietary Restrictions

Mozambican cuisine is a combination of African, Portuguese, and Indian flavors, which makes it a unique and exciting culinary experience. However, if you have dietary restrictions, it can be challenging to find dishes that fit your needs. Fortunately, there are many Mozambican dishes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan.

Common Mozambican Dishes

Mozambican cuisine is known for its seafood dishes, such as prawns, squid, and fish. Piri-piri sauce, made from chili peppers, is a common ingredient in many dishes, giving them a spicy kick. Other popular dishes include matapa, made from cassava leaves and peanuts, and xima, a cornmeal porridge. Samosas, a popular Indian snack, are also commonly found in Mozambique.

Gluten-Free Mozambican Dishes

Many Mozambican dishes are naturally gluten-free. Grilled seafood, such as prawns and calamari, can be enjoyed without any worries. Xima, a cornmeal porridge, is also gluten-free, as are many soups and stews made with rice and vegetables. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try the peri-peri chicken or beef kebabs, which are often served with a side of grilled vegetables.

Dairy-Free Mozambican Dishes

Most Mozambican dishes are dairy-free, making it easy to find options if you’re lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. Piri-piri chicken and grilled seafood are both dairy-free options, as are many vegetable dishes, such as matapa and cassava fries. Be sure to ask if any dishes contain butter or cream, as they may be used in some sauces.

Vegetarian Mozambican Dishes

Vegetarians will find plenty of options in Mozambique, where vegetables play a large role in the cuisine. Matapa, made from cassava leaves and peanuts, is a vegetarian dish that is rich in flavor and texture. Xima, a cornmeal porridge, is often served with a variety of vegetable stews. Samosas, a popular Indian snack, can also be filled with vegetables instead of meat.

Vegan Mozambican Dishes

While Mozambican cuisine does include meat and seafood, there are many vegan options available as well. Vegetable stews, such as feijão (black bean stew) and xacuti (a spicy coconut-based stew), are often vegan. Many vegetable dishes, such as matapa and cassava fries, are also vegan. If you enjoy spicy food, try the peri-peri tofu or vegetable kebabs, which are often served with a side of grilled vegetables.

Gluten-free bread is not available from every bakery. If you have to or want to do without gluten, you will find an uncomplicated bread recipe for everyday use here with teff flour, chia, and psyllium husks.

Those who cannot tolerate gluten-containing products must keep their eyes open when shopping. Getting gluten-free bread or rolls is anything but easy. In the meantime, however, there are baking mixes for gluten-free bread in health food stores, organic markets, or well-stocked supermarkets. If you don’t want to use a baking mix and want to bake your own bread, you can try this rather uncomplicated bread recipe.

Locust bean gum and psyllium husks ensure a nice bond. Organic psyllium husks in particular consist of up to 80 percent dietary fiber. They also contain mucilage. These swell in the digestive tract and bind up to 40 times their weight in water. Flea seed shells, for example, are great as an egg substitute for vegan baking. Why not try the organic psyllium husks from Steinberger! Alternatively, you can use chia seeds as a binding agent for gluten-free bread, for example, which swell into a thick gel when combined with warm water. Caution: The baking time will be slightly longer if you use chia seeds as a binding agent.

The types of flour can be replaced with other gluten-free flour; It is only important that the number of flour totals 500 grams.

Gluten-free bread: the ingredients to bake yourself

  • 500 ml lukewarm water
  • 1 cube of fresh yeast
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 200 grams of rice flour
  • 150 g teff flour
  • 150 grams of buckwheat flour
  • 2 tsp locust bean gum
  • 1 tbsp ground psyllium husk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • a handful of nuts, seeds, or kernels (we used hazelnuts)
  • 1 loaf pan (26 centimeters)

Gluten-free bread: preparation

  1. Put water in a bowl, dissolve yeast and honey in it
  2. Add the other ingredients and knead with the dough hook of the hand mixer until a viscous mass is formed. If the dough is still too dry, add some lukewarm water.
  3. Grease the loaf tin with a little oil and pour in the dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and leave to rise for an hour in a warm place.
  4. Preheat the oven to 220 ° C (fan oven). Place a small pan of water on the bottom of the oven. Brush the surface of the bread with some oil and put it in the oven for an hour. After 10 minutes, turn the temperature back down to 200°C.
  5. Let the bread cool down and turn it out of the pan.

You wouldn’t want to be without this basic gluten-free bread recipe on your daily menu: Now you can make your own fresh, crispy white bread, dark bread, mixed bread, sunflower bread, rolls, and other delicious baked goods at any time. The recipe is enough for 2 loaves of bread (24 servings)

Are you constantly on the lookout for new, unusual yet light recipes for a healthy diet? Recipes that are easy to replicate, recipes that don’t require overly unusual ingredients? Then you should definitely try this recipe for gluten-free bread so that you always have homemade, crusty bread and other baked goods fresh on the table.

Ingredients for gluten-free bread

  • 50-60 g fresh yeast (alternatively 2 P dry yeast)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 cup (150-200 ml) non-fat milk (or whole milk if desired)
  • 100 grams of butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 500g boiled, mashed potatoes
  • salt (to taste)
  • 650 g potato starch
  • 2 loaf tins (about 25 cm x 10 cm x 8 cm)
  • Some butter or fat for brushing the mold

Preparation of gluten-free bread (basic recipe)

In a large bowl, mix the yeast and sugar until liquified. Now add milk, butter, eggs, mashed potatoes, and salt and mix well. Then gradually add the potato starch and mix well until the mixture is smooth and sticks to your hands. Now cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or plastic film) and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.

The mass is then divided into two equal parts and each is placed in a buttered (or fat) loaf tin and smoothed out with a wet spatula. Let the dough rise in the mold for another 30 minutes. The slices of bread are baked in a preheated oven at about 200° C for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Leave to cool on a wire rack so the bread stays crispy.

Information and tips

Gluten-free bread brings a healthy change to your diet, not only for those suffering from celiac disease or sprue but also for athletes, and athletes and as a daily, tasty treat. Rice flour, corn flour, starch, buckwheat flour, soy, quinoa, and tapioca are gluten-free, whole wheat, barley, oats, and rye contain gluten. You can get gluten-free baking ferment in organic shops or health food stores; Sourdough works too.

Of course, this stomach-friendly bread can also be processed with mixed flour to make multigrain bread or with rye flour to make dark breakfast bread. Fresh rolls and other baked goods can also be produced very well with this basic mixture. Vary it with sprinkled sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame, or linseed; add whole or chopped nuts to the batter.

Here’s a special insider tip: brush your bread with a little oil 10 minutes before the end of baking, it will then become uniquely crispy.

A gluten-free diet is a challenge. But once you know what to eat, it gets a little easier. Find out here which foods are gluten-free and what you should pay attention to.

Gluten-free foods: important for proper nutrition in the case of gluten intolerance

Regardless of whether you have celiac disease, wheat sensitivity or a wheat allergy: if gluten is not good for the body due to a genetically pre-programmed gluten intolerance, your diet must be changed. For this reason, you should pay attention to gluten-free foods so that you don’t have to struggle with symptoms such as vomiting, significant digestive problems or even an allergic shock.

Gluten is a protein found in grains that holds the resulting baked goods together. That is why it is also called glue protein. However, this glue also works in the intestine, where it “glues” the intestinal villi.

Gluten free cereals and baked goods

If you have to or want to eat a gluten-free diet, it doesn’t mean you can never eat grain products or baked goods again. There are definitely alternatives to gluten-containing wheat, spelt, rye, unripe spelt and barley. Where the market was not very productive a few years ago, you can now find a lot of gluten-free baked goods based on millet, rice, corn or buckwheat flour.

You can use and eat these gluten-free cereals without hesitation:
rice
Corn
buckwheat
millet
Oats (note the “gluten-free” note here to rule out gluten contamination)
quinoa
amaranth
Teff, also called dwarf millet
locust bean gum
guar gum
Caution: It should be guaranteed that the types of grain mentioned have not come into contact with grain containing gluten during processing.

Fruit and vegetables are gluten free

Unprocessed fresh vegetables and fruits are always gluten-free. It only becomes a concern during and after processing. It is therefore advisable to always cook freshly and yourself. It is best to pay attention to the regionality and season of the fruits and vegetables. In addition to cooking with fresh vegetables, there is also the option of making flour from roots and tubers such as potatoes or cassava (also called tapioca or yucca). This can be further processed in baked goods.

legumes and nuts

Legumes are gluten free. That is why flour made from legumes is a good alternative and, above all, a good binding agent when baking. In addition, flours made from legumes such as peas, chickpeas, soy and Co. contain a lot of protein, which is good for a low-carb diet. Pasta made from red lentils or peas is also an alternative to pasta.

In addition to legumes, you can also snack on nuts or seeds without hesitation. But be careful with candied or roasted nuts, as these are often processed with flour. In addition, gluten residues from the factory can also be found in nut mixtures such as trail mix.

As with legumes, nuts can also be used to make delicious flour that can be used in gluten-free cuisine. In summary, you can use these flour alternatives:
coconut flour
Any nut flour
Flour from legumes

Dairy products: Not all are gluten-free!

dairy products like
Cheese in its natural form
milk
Quark
Natural yoghurt
buttermilk
butter
cream and sour cream
are gluten free. But also in the area of ​​dairy products, the motto is: keep your eyes open when buying processed products such as fruit yoghurt, processed cheese, Harz cheese, light products, spray cream or products with added flavorings. Here, gluten-containing ingredients are often used in production.

Gluten-free drinks: be careful with alcohol

Gluten hides in many products that you never thought contained gluten. With beer, which consists of grain, it is obvious. With vodka, for example, which is made from potatoes, it is not clear at first glance. The problem is that while many of these supposedly gluten-free alcohols are derived from gluten-free raw materials, they’re often cut with wheat.

You should also be careful with coffee, tea, cocoa (note the key word here: barley malt extract) and mixed drinks. Here you should always pay attention to a gluten-free declaration.

These alcoholic drinks are gluten-free:
Wine
gin
fruit brandies
Gluten-free beer e.g. from Lammsbräu
Ouzo and Raki
tequila
sparkling wine and champagne
With cognac, rum, bourbon and whiskey there is always a residual risk of possible gluten content due to the cask storage. It is not 100 percent certain that the distillation process will completely remove gluten.

Soft drinks:
Juice (be careful with juices containing fiber!)
water

Guaranteed gluten-free: It depends on the processing conditions

The products and foods mentioned in this article should nevertheless be checked carefully before consumption, because there is no guarantee without a serious declaration. Any gluten-free food could be contaminated with gluten through its processing, packaging or transport.

Pay particular attention to the “gluten-free” labeling of processed products such as drinks and ready meals. You are on the safe side if you cook freshly yourself.

Millet contains many healthy ingredients, but these vary from variety to variety. In some parts of Africa and Asia, millet is still a staple today – in German millet means “saturation”.

Millet: What the color reveals about the ingredients

Millet is not just millet: the healthy grain comes in different colors and each type of millet has slightly different ingredients. Yellow millet contains a lot of beta-carotene and red and brown millet more antioxidants. Glassy-white millet, on the other hand, is rich in protein. All millet varieties contain a lot of the following healthy ingredients:
Protein,
Iron,
vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6,
Fluorine,
Zinc,
Magnesium,
Silicon.
Since children and babies in particular need the amino acid leucine from millet, millet porridge is a popular food for babies and toddlers. However, you must not eat millet raw, as some enzymes in millet are toxic when uncooked. Before cooking, you should soak millet to extract phytin. It blocks the absorption of important nutrients such as iron and zinc.

Millet helps with diabetes

As scientists from the Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada) found out, millet can prevent excessive insulin release. This makes the grain particularly attractive for diabetics. Researchers at the University of Agricultural Sciences also attribute a positive property to millet for diabetics: a millet cure over 28 days can lower blood sugar levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Does millet make you slim?

The combination of amino acids and complex carbohydrates makes millet a real slimmer. Because millet fills you up for a long time and has only 114 kilocalories per 100 grams. A lot of roughage and the high protein content prevent ravenous hunger attacks.

Beauty secret “millet”

Beautiful hair from millet? In fact, millet is rich in silicon, which ensures beautiful skin, hair and nails. Millet can help against dry skin and also tighten the connective tissue. Millet can even strengthen the hair.

Millet also supports the immune system and can thus protect against flu. Anyone who already has a flu can also get help from millet: unlike other types of grain, millet does not form mucus, it also supports the production of antibodies and regulates the immune system.

Is millet a whole grain product?

If you suffer from gluten intolerance, you probably already know millet. Because the grain is gluten-free and is sold shelled, just like oats and barley. Millet is therefore not a real whole grain product, but it has many of the properties of a whole grain cereal. Because the nutrients are distributed throughout the grain (unlike other types of grain). This makes millet as healthy as real whole grains. You get millet in whole grains, as millet flour, millet flakes and millet semolina.

Exception: brown millet is a real whole grain product, as the grains are processed into flour with the shell.

How sustainable is millet?

Millet often comes from China, Canada and the USA and is imported to us in Germany. This results in a poor CO2 balance and often affects organic millet as well. Millet can also be grown in Germany, as some companies have demonstrated.

In organic farming, old, native varieties are often cultivated, thus promoting biodiversity. Millet does not need much water and is very resilient. This makes the use of pesticides superfluous, which is why millet is well suited for organic farming. The stalks of the millet plant can also often be reused as natural fibres.

Coconut flour is gluten-free, high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. We explain what is important when baking with coconut flour and what you should pay attention to.

Coconut flour can be an alternative to wheat flour. Those with celiac disease and a sensitive digestive system will equally benefit from coconut flour. It is gluten-free, low-carb, high-fiber, low-fat and cholesterol-free. It is used in a variety of healthy recipes. For example in cakes, smoothies, sauces, soups, spreads and desserts.

To obtain coconut flour, the fresh flesh of the coconut is dried, de-oiled and then ground into flour. Since coconut flour has traveled a long way and the coconuts used are usually harvested and processed by hand, it is important that you use fair, organic products.

In most recipes you cannot substitute coconut flour 1:1. This is mainly because coconut flour is very absorbent. One option is to replace just a portion of the wheat or whole wheat flour with coconut flour. You can easily replace a quarter of the flour with coconut flour without having to change the rest of the recipe. But there are also ways to completely replace the flour.

A commonly mentioned variant is to add one egg for every 30 grams of coconut flour. Depending on the quantity, however, this can lead to a fairly high number of eggs, which unfortunately neutralizes the positive property of coconut flour to be low in cholesterol. Another option is to increase the liquid content. You have to add water, oil and (plant) milk accordingly until the dough has the desired consistency.

The easiest way is to look for recipes that are specifically tailored to use coconut flour. We show you how to bake delicious brownies with coconut flour.

Baking brownies with coconut flour: the ingredients

The brownies are not only gluten-free, but also vegan and sugar-free. This makes them ideal for a vegan or gluten-free diet. You need the following ingredients:
115 g ground almonds
30 g coconut flour
60 grams of cocoa powder
1 tbsp baking powder
140 g agave syrup
120 g vegetable margarine
7 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

Bake brownies gluten-free

Mix almonds, coconut flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a bowl.
Mix the margarine and agave syrup together until the mixture is foamy.
Add the applesauce to the margarine and agave syrup while stirring.
Now stir in the dry ingredients.
Place the batter in a springform pan or on a small baking sheet.
Bake the whole thing at 175 °C top/bottom heat for about 40 minutes.
Let the cake cool down well and then cut it into pieces.

Gluten-free grain is a good alternative to wheat, spelt and the like if you suffer from gluten intolerance. In addition, these grains bring more variety to your diet. We introduce you to the seven most important ones.

Millet: Gluten-free grain from the region

The name of this traditional grain comes from the old Germanic and means something like “saturation” or “nutrition”. Millet rightly bears this name: It provides you with a balanced combination of complex carbohydrates and plant-based protein
Millet is also rich in B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium.

Amaranth: Gluten-free grain from the Andes

Even the Inca and Aztecs valued the valuable ingredients of amaranth and used it as a healthy and filling staple food. Today, the gluten-free grain has also become a popular food in Europe.

With a protein content of around 15 percent, amaranth is considered a very protein-rich grain. In addition, it provides you with complex carbohydrates and fiber and contains significantly more unsaturated fatty acids than other grains. The gluten-free grain is also particularly well-known for its high iron content. Other minerals that amaranth contains in relatively high amounts are magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and phosphorus.

Buckwheat: Gluten-free grain against vascular diseases

Buckwheat also primarily provides you with complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein. In addition, the gluten-free grain scores particularly well with its high magnesium content. It also contains other minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, as well as B vitamins and vitamin E.

Due to the rutin it contains, a secondary plant substance, buckwheat is said to promote blood circulation and protect the blood vessels. In order to benefit from this effect, you need the buckwheat herb. You can use it to make tea, for example, and drink it several times a day.

Oatmeal: The breakfast classic

Oatmeal consists mostly of complex carbohydrates, but also provides a considerable amount of protein with 12 to 13 grams of protein. Like amaranth, oatmeal is one of the higher-fat grains. They primarily contain unsaturated fatty acids.

Oatmeal also provides you with a considerable amount of fiber, many B vitamins, as well as zinc, iron, manganese and magnesium. In contrast to other cereals, oatmeal has a high beta-glucan content. This is a soluble dietary fiber that has a regulating effect on cholesterol levels. In type 2 diabetics, beta-glucan also lowers blood sugar levels.

Quinoa: the superfood of the Incas

Like amaranth, quinoa was used as a staple food by the Incas. The gluten-free grain provides the body with all macronutrients in a balanced ratio. In addition to complex carbohydrates, quinoa also contains unsaturated fatty acids and vegetable protein.

What is special about quinoa is its complete amino acid profile. Along with soy, it is one of the only plant foods that provide you with all of the amino acids. In addition, quinoa also contains important minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and manganese.

Corn: The slightly different gluten-free grain

Because of its taste and shape, corn differs significantly from other gluten-free grains and is therefore often incorrectly referred to as a vegetable. In terms of its nutritional values, however, it is not dissimilar to other grains: corn also provides you with many carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein and some fat.

In contrast to other cereals, however, the carbohydrates in corn consist mainly of glucose, fructose and sucrose. These ensure the sweet taste of the yellow grain. In addition, corn contains plenty of dietary fiber as well as minerals and vitamins: it is particularly rich in vitamin A, some B vitamins and vitamin E. It also provides iron, zinc and potassium in moderate amounts.

Rice: The classic from Asia

Rice is one of the classic gluten-free cereals. The nutritional values ​​of the many different types of rice differ greatly in some cases. However, what applies to everyone: Compared to other cereals, rice contains a relatively large amount of carbohydrates, almost no fat and less protein. It also provides significantly less dietary fiber.

If you want to take in as many nutrients as possible, it is best to use whole grain rice. This not only contains a little more fiber and protein, but is also richer in minerals and vitamins, especially B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Here you will learn how to cook buckwheat and what delicious dishes you can prepare with it. Also: why it is healthy and suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Cooking buckwheat: how it works

Buckwheat is traditionally very common in Russian cuisine. It can be used in different ways and for different dishes. As a side dish, you can cook buckwheat like rice:

Pour 1 cup of buckwheat (whole grains) into a saucepan with twice the amount of water.
Let the buckwheat boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Now let the buckwheat simmer with the lid closed until it has absorbed all the water.
Finally, remove the pot from the stovetop and let it rest for a moment.

Recipes with buckwheat add variety to your menu

Buckwheat is an integral part of traditional Russian cuisine. There it is often used like rice as an accompaniment to many dishes. You can also cook many other dishes from buckwheat:

You can often find buckwheat groats in grocery stores, especially in Northern Germany. This is crushed buckwheat. Just boil it in milk to make a breakfast porridge. Also delicious: home-cooked buckwheat porridge
Or you prepare buckwheat as delicious buckwheat patties.
If you want to experiment even more, you can also sprout buckwheat. You can use the sprouts, for example, as part of muesli, in yoghurt or in salads.

Cooking buckwheat – healthy and gluten-free

Similar to quinoa or amaranth, buckwheat is not a grain. Rather, it is a knotweed plant. The pseudocereal is gluten-free and is used in a variety of ways in gluten-free nutrition – mainly as flour or in the form of flakes or grist. It is also suitable for basic nutrition.

Cooking buckwheat is very healthy. 100 grams of boiled buckwheat contains:

127 mg of potassium
33 mg magnesium
8 mg calcium
1.3 mg iron
0.32 mg vitamin E
0.09 mg of vitamins B1 and B2