Being gluten intolerant can be hard on kids. But there are some wonderful and very easy alternatives to gluten that you can offer. And you’ll be surprised by how these out-of-the-box ideas treat the taste buds.
1. Corn Tortillas for Sandwich Bread
Roll your favourite sandwich fillings in a corn tortilla, and you’ll find a satisfying alternative to wheat bread. Less expensive and more readily available than gluten-free bread, this is the starchy thing that kids are so often missing.
2. Mashed Potatoes for Pizza Crust
This one sounds crazy, but it’s great. Mix half a cup of mashed potato with one quarter of a cup of any gluten-free flour, adding in some cheese if you like. Form into a thin layer, and bake in a preheated oven for five minutes until crisp. Then add tomato sauce, great toppings, and cheese, and pop back in the oven until the cheese is melted. Amazing!
3. Zucchini, Eggplant, or Spaghetti Squash for Pasta
Slice zucchini or eggplant into thin strips with a knife or vegetable peeler and roast in the oven, or boil in lightly salted water. Great in lasagne! The texture here is admittedly different from regular pasta, so be prepared for that. For something really special, roast a spaghetti squash (becoming more common in Australia), slice in half, and scrape the inside out with a fork to make gluten-free spaghetti that kids love!
4. Rice Cakes for Everything
Crackers, bagels, pretzels, bread, even pizza crust can be replaced with rice cakes. This handy food is a perfect staple for gluten-free families. Try them with cream cheese, peanut butter, or sliced cheese. Also perfect with hummus and vegetables. Even on their own, these are some of these most versatile gluten-free options out there.
5. Chick Peas for Flour
This one sounds crazy but give it a go. One tin of chick peas, drained, rinsed, then mashed can be substituted for flour in brownies or choc-chip cookies. You’re also adding protein and fibre! The texture remains chewy and delicious, and kids genuinely can’t tell the difference.
