Healthy and Gluten-Free Comfort Food Recipes for Winter Nights

Healthy and Gluten-Free Comfort Food Recipes for Winter Nights

Winter is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to indulge in some comforting, warm food. However, for those who follow a gluten-free diet, this can often be a challenge. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of healthy and gluten-free comfort food recipes to get you through those chilly evenings.

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone craves on a cold winter day. This gluten-free version packs in extra protein by using quinoa pasta and adding in some nutrient-rich spinach.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. quinoa pasta
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. tapioca flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions:

  1. Cook quinoa pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add tapioca flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add in almond milk, continuously stirring until mixture thickens.
  5. Add grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
  6. Add fresh spinach to the pan and let it wilt for a few minutes.
  7. Add the cheese sauce to the cooked pasta and mix well.
  8. Serve and enjoy!

Gluten-Free Pot Roast

This hearty main dish is perfect for a family dinner. It’s tender, flavorful, and filling, all while being gluten-free.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lb. chuck roast
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups potatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add chuck roast and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add onion and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent.
  5. Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pan and mix well.
  6. Add the chuck roast back to the pan and cover with the vegetable mixture.
  7. Cover the pan and cook in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the chuck roast is tender.
  8. Serve with your favorite gluten-free side dishes and enjoy!

Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie

A classic comfort food with a gluten-free twist. This chicken pot pie recipe uses a gluten-free crust and is filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables for a healthy twist.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 gluten-free pie crust

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
  5. Add shredded chicken and mix well.
  6. Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the vegetable and chicken mixture and stir to coat.
  7. Gradually add almond milk, continuously stirring until mixture thickens.
  8. Add in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper and mix well.
  9. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a pie dish lined with a gluten-free pie crust.
  10. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  11. Serve and enjoy!

These gluten-free comfort food recipes prove that there’s no need to sacrifice flavor or texture. Whether you’re craving mac and cheese, pot roast, or chicken pot pie, these healthy recipes will keep you warm and satisfied all winter long. Give them a try and cozy up for a night in!