Great Gluten Free Foods
Of Late, gluten-free diets have become quite a rage. And with good reason! While gluten is a Strict no-no for those suffering from celiac disease (a condition where the body cannot process gluten and it attacks the gut lining) recent studies have found that those with chronic gastric ailments are often allergic to gluten as well. A gluten food allergy can cause stomach upsets, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, eye and skin irritation and much more.
Gluten is a protein found in cereals like wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Basically, it is found in most cereals commonly used as staples in the Indian diet. Gluten is what makes dough stretchy and this quality is exactly what makes gluten hard to digest. So, if you have decided to go gluten-free and consume healthier foods try these five top gluten-free foods that are readily available in the country
Five Gluten-Free Foods
Poha Or Flattened Rice
A common breakfast choice throughout India, poha is made from flattened rice flakes and is hence loo per cent gluten free. Poha dishes are healthy, cooked with turmeric powder, chilli powder, onions, mustard seeds, etc. And what’s better, it’s quick to make as well1 Poha can be cooked with a wide variety of vegetables and even meats.
South Indian Fast Foods
A gluten-free diet mostly means, giving up on fast foods like burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches, unless of course, you can get your hands on some gluten-free breads (and these do exist). However, you can indulge in a wide variety of South Indian fast foods. Not only are these far healthier, they are also more satisfying and easily enjoyed by all members of the family, children and elderly included. Dosas with masala potato filling, neer dosa, steamed idlis with sambhar, fried idlis with chutneys and dai wadas are a great example of the same. Since most South Indian snacks/breakfast items are made with a batter of fermented rice and urad/moong dai, these are great gluten-free Sunday moming breakfast alternatives for stuffed parathas.
Bajra Or Makki Ki Alta
If you cannot imagine a wholesome Indian meal without the bread accompaniment, fret not. While wheat is not included in a gluten-free diet, bajra or makki ki roti is a perfect replacement. To be on the safe side, avoid pre-made bajra (or millet) flour as wheat is added many times to the mix. It is recommended you buy your own plain bajra flour or makki-ka-atta (corn flour). The rotis aren’t soft and fluffy like the wheat ones but go very well with all kinds of vegetarian and non-vegetarian gravy dishes.
Khichdis And Biryanis
Both khichdis and biryanis are gluten free since they comprise of rice and a variety of vegetables and meats. Cooked with fragrant spices the delicious biryanis are loved worldwide. You can also enjoy different types of pulao rice for lunch as these are lighter than biryanis, less spicy and easier on the stomach too. And if you are looking for something quick and tasty, a khichdis your best option and all of this is loo per cent gluten- free. However, if you are worried about eating too many carbs, try using organic brown rice instead of the usual basmati white rice, It truly makes a difference as it includes more fibre and more minerals.
Pakoras
Most things listed above are healthy options. But who doesn’t love hot fried pakoras with a cup of chaP? Yes, pakoras are gluten-free too! Since pakoras are made with vegetable or paneer chunks dipped in chickpeas (or gram) flour and deep fried, they are a great gluten-free alternative to bread-based snacks in-between meals. They are also great appetizers for get-togethers.
These are not your only options for gluten-free foods. Dais, beans, all vegetables. all meats, papadums, and dairy products including Lassi, buttermilk, and fruit yogurts are also gluten-free. Therefore, as an Indian, your options to eat gluten-free are aplenty. Good luck with trying this diet.