It seems de rigueur today to go gluten-free – whether it’s because of a perceived intolerance or just a health choice, many of us are opting to go without. For the estimated 60,000 to 70,000 of Kiwis with coeliac disease that choice is a necessity.
Coeliac disease is a permanent, autoimmune disorder that causes a reaction to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. It's Coeliac Awareness Week from June 18 to 24 so it's the perfect time to get informed about symptoms, diagnosis and the management of this disease. Head to the coeliac.org.nz to find out everything you need to know, including how to fundraise and the best advice for avoiding gluten both at home and while eating out.
If you or somebody you know is on a gluten-free diet, it absolutely doesn’t mean that fabulous food is off the menu. We’ve put together some delicious dinner party ideas to cater for those on a gluten-free diet. Just remember to familiarise yourself with what ingredients contain gluten and always check the labels of food to make sure they’re gluten-free (for example some soy sauces contain gluten).
Canapes
There is a range of specific gluten-free chips on the shelves today but if you want to pass around something a bit fancier, try one of these:
Entrée
Something simple and light to start the meal. If you opt for the soup, just ensure the stock you use is gluten-free.
Haloumi with fresh beetroot and rocket
Main
Rice noodles, lentils and potatoes provide that filling factor in these main affairs - if you make the provencal tomatoes, buy gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
Barbecued pork meatballs with rice noodles
Roast leg of lamb with basil sauce lentils and provencal tomatoes
Grilled steak with rosemary and garlic fried potatoes and green beans served with reduced pan juices
Dessert
End the meal on a gluten-free high. Amaretti biscuits usually contain no gluten but check the packaging just in case and if you can't find any, they are easy enough to make your own.
Coffee and chocolate mouse with coffee mascarpone
Orange chocolate and pistachio rice pudding
More gluten-free information and recipes:
Gluten: the devil is in the detail