So here it is folks – a recipe y’all probably never thought you’d see on this page – MORE GNOCCHI. Creating this dish, believe it or not, was a big deal for me as I rarely stray far from my classic Gnocchi Alla Marie, which over the years I’m so pleased to say many of you guys have given a whirl and enjoyed. As we currently find ourselves in strange times, I wanted to use fewer store-cupboard ingredients to show you how you can whip up something hearty and delicious, even if you can’t get your hands on canned tomatoes. Meanwhile, I’ve opted for courgettes as the main vegetable stars of the dish as they seem to still be widely available in the shops, so give this a go and let me know what y’all think. Stay safe everyone!
Ingredients
500g Gluten Free Gnocchi
1 x Tablespoon olive oil
1 x Medium Onion, Chopped
2 x Garlic Cloves, Chopped
1 x Tablespoon Grainy Mustard
250ml Creme Fraîche
100g Grated Parmesan/Italian Hard Cheese
30ml Boiling Water
2 x Courgettes, Chopped into Small Cubes
½ Teaspoon Chilli Flakes
½ Teaspoon Dried Parsley
½ Knorr Vegetable Stock Cube
Method
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan/200 degrees gas.
Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the gnocchi for 1-2 minutes. Drain immediately and set to one side.
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat and add the onions and garlic, sauteeing until soft.
Add the courgettes to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
Stir in the creme fraîche, grainy mustard, 80g of the grated cheese, chilli flakes, parsley and crumbled half stock cube.
When all ingredients are combined, add the boiling water and stir quickly again.
Reduce the heat and cover the pot, leaving the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Prepare the cooled gnocchi in a small-medium oven casserole dish and cover with the sauce, stirring the two together so the sauce is evenly distributed around the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top as well as cracked black pepper and a sprinkling of salt.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the gnocchi is golden brown.
Leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving with a fresh green salad.
Even though there is a wide array of gluten free bread available on the market today, sometimes I still need a break. Growing up, my mom would come up with all sorts of things for breakfast, lunch and dinner that were bread free, just to give us an alternative from time to time. I therefore never got used to bread on the table at every meal and I still see it as quite a luxury!
When I’m in the mood for something a little different, and something lighter than gluten free bread, which can often be quite heavy, I turn to my trusty fluffy cloud bread. This alternative is made from eggs and cream cheese and yet still comes out of the oven resembling bread! It makes a delicious sandwich, or accompaniment to any meal. For years I hand whisked the eggs and I am delighted to say that a brand new electric whisk has just changed my life! Let me know what y’all think!
Fluffy Cloud Bread (Makes between 12 and 15 portions)
Ingredients
4 x Eggs (separated)
65g Full Fat Cream Cheese (I use Philadelphia)
½ x Teaspoon Gluten Free Baking Powder
½ x Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
½ x Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
½ x Teaspoon Sesame Seeds
¼ x Teaspoon Sea Salt
Method
Preheat oven to 150 degrees and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Whisk egg whites until they form stiff peaks. No liquid from the white should remain in the bowl and all the mixture should be foam that doesn’t slide across the bowl (this may take up to ten minutes).
In a separate bowl, beat the yolks, cream cheese and rest of the ingredients until smooth.
Spoonful by spoonful, fold the yolk mixture into the whites. Word of warning: take your time here. The quicker you go, the more likely the whites will fall flat and turn to liquid again, which is not the appropriate consistency for fluffy cloud bread.
When all the mixture is combined, spoon the mixture on to the baking trays using a tablespoon. Allow at least 6cm between each cloud bread as they do spread in the oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Leave to cool for up to 15 minutes before serving in sandwich form with an array of fillings or on their own as a snack.
Known for its cassoulet and confit de canard, Toulouse can be a food lover’s paradise. The city pulls in multitudes of tourists each year, especially during the summer months when the masses head to the wine region. It’s a beautiful city to walk around in, with lots of culture and a rich history. But how good is it for gluten free food you ask? Finding gluten-free friendly eateries can still be a challenge and so I’ve pulled together a mini guide to the provincial city, which will be perfect for anyone staying nearby and venturing in for the day or in Toulouse for a city-break over a weekend. Bon Appétit!
A highly popular free from spot, Lucas and Marie Sans Genes is a 100% gluten free bakery, which also specialises in vegan products too. From beautiful pastries to homemade bread, you’ll be spoilt for choice here and will not have to worry about traces. The bakery prides itself on creating food that is free of up to 14 key allergens and is entirely organic. A lovely family run business created by mother Marie and her son Lucas, this place is a must-visit for coeliacs and vegans alike who will go absolutely crazy over the pastry selection – trust me! Closed on Sundays.
If you’re craving a proper hamburger while you’re in Toulouse, this is your one-stop shop. This fast food joint is incredibly gluten free friendly, and offers most burgers on a soft and squidgy sesame seed gluten free bun! I was assured that the regular fries and sweet potato fries are also safe, so just be sure to state your dietary requirements at the beginning so the staff make sure to take extra care of you. I opted for a classic cheese burger, which is entirely gluten free when the house Yard sauce is removed and it was absolutely delicious. Yard gets brownie points in my book for also offering a gluten free beer on the menu – the perfect accompaniment to your burger!
Another organic hotspot, Invita is a great destination for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch while you’re in Toulouse. The menu, which is entirely vegetarian, has a great array of options from salads to gluten free pizzas (yes you read correctly!) to galettes. What’s great about Invita is their availability of a weekday meal deal, where you can get two courses for €16 or three for €20. As I hate missing out on dessert, I’d personally recommend you opt for three courses! If you fancy a pizza or vegetarian lasagne course, head to Invita on a Friday or Saturday when they are available. Vegan options are also aplenty!
Everytime I venture to France I crave crepes and galettes. Luckily for the gluten free community, more and more places are starting to offer a gluten free friendly alternative so that everyone can feel included. Pastel et Sarrasin is a must-visit during your time in Toulouse as they not only use the freshest of ingredients to top and fill their pancakes, but they offer a gluten free batter on the menu too. This expansive restaurant has lots of indoor seating and sets up tables outside on warmer days so you can watch the world going by while you feast. WARNING: As Pastel et Sarrasin deals with non gluten free flour in its kitchen as well, the company warns that traces in the preparation area are a possibility but they take as much care as is possible to avoid that by keeping the gluten free batter away from the rest and cleaning the pans before use.
Are you both gluten and lactose free? Then Silex & Fourchette must be your first stop in the city. This is the first “paleo” restaurant I have seen in continental Europe, so imagine my excitement, especially as paleo food is all naturally gluten free! Silex & Fourchette serves lunch five days a week and has a monthly Sunday brunch for only €18, which includes a lot of food, so check the company website to see if brunch falls on your weekend! The most photographed and ordered item here is undoubtedly the paleo burger, which comes with sweet potato fries and is definitely worth a try! Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
While not an obvious gluten free spot, Aux Douces Heures is the perfect place to stop for a coffee and a rest while you are whizzing around Toulouse. The regular menu at this French tea room is not gluten free, but the team at Aux Douces Heures make sure to always have at least two freshly baked gluten free sweet treats to accompany your coffee or tea for a pick-me-up. The cakes are kept separately from the rest of the restaurant’s offerings and are usually displayed in the window next to a welcoming gluten free sign. The chocolate tart makes a regular appearance and is deliciously rich. Closed on Mondays.
Where?
9bis Rue des Lois
31000 Toulouse
Shopping
Supermarkets in France have come a long way in the past few years, and that includes smaller city branches. The two biggest supermarket chains in Toulouse are Carrefour and Monoprix, both of which have several stores across the city, so you are never too far from gluten free snacks or necessities. I was able to find gluten free bread, pasta and cookies in all shops I went into so check the company website for your nearest store and stock up!
A piece of my heart will forever be in Buenos Aires – a vibrant, hectic and culturally rich city where I spent almost three years during my twenties. Beyond traditional dishes like Argentine steak and empanadas, much of the country’s cuisine was brought and developed by Italian immigrants who arrived there en masse from the 1850s onwards. A favourite dish of mine was always lasagne, prepared in its own Argentine way and featuring the smoky taste of aji molido (smoked red pepper powder) and black olives which add a natural saltiness and depth to the dish.
After becoming gluten free, I quickly released that coming across a lasagne that was safe for me to eat – in my Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Almagro and beyond – was a rare luxury, not only due to the pasta but also the stock used in the sauce. So, in honour of Coeliac Awareness Week, I have recreated this dish to make it safe for coeliacs to enjoy with friends and family. Thanks to Knorr, who create the best tasting and fuss-free stock I have ever had, this dish is bursting with flavour and completely gluten free. Knorr has been a household name ever since I remember, and I am pleased to shout about its efforts for the gluten free community. Be sure to enjoy this dish with some homemade garlic bread and a glass of strong bodied Malbec for the true Argentine experience.
Lasagne d’Almagro (Serves 6)
Ingredients
For the Lasagne Filling:
1 x White Onion (Finely Chopped)
4 x Garlic Cloves
2 x Celery Sticks (Finely Chopped)
1 x Large Carrot (Finely Chopped)
800g Chopped Tomatoes in Juice
500g Lean Minced Beef
400g Gluten Free Sausage Meat or Sausages (Casing Removed)
160g Drained Black Olives
1 x Tablespoon Knorr Rich Beef Concentrated Stock
2 x Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 x Cup Red Wine
½ x Cup Boiling Water
2 x Bay Leaves
½ Teaspoon Dried Basil
½ x Tablespoon Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
1 x Teaspoon Aji Molido
250g Gluten Free Lasagne Sheets
300g Fresh Mozzarella (Diced)
100g Parmesan (Grated)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
1 x Tablespoon Butter
1 x White Onion
3 x Cups Milk
3 x Tablespoons Gluten Free Flour
1 x Cup White Wine
½ x Knorr Vegetable Stock Cube
½ x Teaspoon Nutmeg
Pepper
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a shallow pan over moderate heat. Add the beef and sausage meat to the pan and cook until brown (around 8 minutes), stirring occasionally and at the same time breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
Meanwhile, take a separate, good sized cooking pot and warm the rest of the oil over moderate heat before adding the chopped onion, celery, carrot and whole peeled garlic cloves. Stir until all vegetables are soft, taking care to not burn the onion.
Turn attention back to the meat once cooked through and drain fat. Then add beef to the vegetables, stirring through to make sure all vegetables are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
Add the chopped tomatoes, olives, wine and boiling water to the pot. Stir well.
Now add the Knorr Rich Beef Concentrated Stock, along with the gluten free Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, dried basil and aji molido before stirring again and leaving to simmer for 30 minutes with a splatter guard covering the top of the pot. This will help the mixture cook down and also protect your surfaces!
While your lasagne mixture is cooking, start preparing the béchamel by sautéing the finely chopped onion in butter over moderate heat in a medium saucepan.
When onion is soft, add milk and let the milk almost come to boil (but not quite!) before removing from heat and whisking in the flour. Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Add the wine, nutmeg and crumbled Knorr vegetable stock cube and using a hand blender, blend the mixture until smooth.
Return béchamel to heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. The sauce will still be fairly thin and pale in colour. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1 teaspoon of flour and whisk again. However, the consistency should not put you off – it blends beautifully with the lasagne filling during the baking process.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees and start arming your lasagne.
Take a medium sized lasagne dish and create layers: after removing bay leaves, ladle in one spoon of the meat mixture and smooth out to cover bottom of dish, then lay down lasagne sheets (I tend to use three sheets per layer).
On top of the lasagne sheets, drizzle one ladle of béchamel sauce and smooth out to just about cover the sheets before adding an even sprinkling of fresh mozzarella and torn basil leaves on top. Repeat, leaving enough béchamel to cover the entire top layer which will then be dusted in grated parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until evenly golden brown.
Leave to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving and garnish with more fresh basil and mixed leaves.
A croissant lover’s paradise, Paris at first glance can seem like a nightmare for anyone gluten free. I have come to learn that the opposite is in fact true. Within the past couple years, an array of gluten free dedicated patisseries, cafes and lunch spots have popped up around the French capital leaving us spoilt for choice. I have been lucky enough to venture to Paris on multiple occasions in the past few years and have finally brought together a selection of my favourites in what I hope will be a handy guide for any non-gluten-eaters heading to the most romantic (and pastry-heavy) city in the world!
Paris’ original, 100% gluten free bakery and patisserie has two locations across the city. An array of breads, cakes, sandwiches and mouth watering tarts will leave you panicking over just how much choice you have! Here you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and a selection of beautiful pastries and cakes. This famous spot also has a sister restaurant in New York City.
This brand new addition to the Parisian gluten free scene is stuffed to the brim with fresh pastries, cakes, tarts, breads and even sandwiches at lunchtime. I couldn’t believe the selection, especially when it came to the pastries as you can take your pick from the classics or try something more adventurous (ahem, check out this picture!). So grab an array of treats and a coffee to go, and enjoy them on the bench outside the shop because let’s face it, they won’t last the journey!
This absolute Parisian staple went away for a while during the pandemic but is now thankfully back (even if it’s open only on Saturdays). Arguably offering the best eclairs in the city, Helmut Newcake’s top flavours include chocolate, coffee and salted caramel and more, as well as a chocolate and hazelnut flavour for the lactose free among us. This beautiful patisserie also has a selection of melt-in-the-mouth patisserie cakes and bread to take away or enjoy in store with a coffee. Open on Saturdays only.
Home to the freshest gluten free bread in Paris, Chambelland boasts savoury and sweet option alike. Chocolate bread is a specialty here, as is the house choux pastry. The bakery offers daily quiche and pizzas, as well as two sandwich flavours on delicious flat bread – a meat option and a vegetarian option but the meat option sells out quickly so grab yours early in the day and head to a nearby park for a wonderfully picturesque lunch. A small number of tables are tucked away in the corner for anyone wishing to pause for a minute during their busy Parisian day.
This 100% gluten free waffle shop has an impressive menu of both sweet and savoury options, including my all-time favourite Croque Monsieur flavour. Do save room for a sweet waffle for afters and pair with a coffee – you may even want to try several while you’re here as the choices make it next to impossible to just settle on one. Another lovely place to not have to worry in the slightest about cross contamination.
This 100% gluten free concept with a healthy twist is perfect for lunches and snacks to go. Established by the wonderful and organic-inspired Angèle A Baigné, you will find an array of gluten free options prepared with the finest, freshest ingredients. The 11th Arrondissement tea room has a lovely breakfast and lunch menu to enjoy in or out and for those with a sweet tooth – the tarte au citron here is unbeatable and a must-try. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Arguably one of the most Instagrammed cafe in Paris, Ob-La-Di is so small you may not even be able to get in, especially if you come armed with shopping bags. However, I suggest you grab a coffee and whatever the gluten free cake of the day is and take it outside to one of the small benches directly outside the shop entrance. This is not a gluten free dedicated eatery by any means, but some cakes are suitable for the GF crowd and really are something quite special, as well as the gluten free granola on offer most days too.
Another 100% gluten free staple when in Paris, Café Mareva has a gorgeous and entirely waffle-themed menu as well as a case of beautiful cakes and patisserie items to enjoy instore or to take away. The house sweet potato waffles are world famous and perfect for breakfast or brunch with eggs, bacon and other toppings. You can also opt for a fried chicken waffle sandwich but warning this may make you emotional it’s so good!
Spend an afternoon in this unique vegan concept store where you can not only enjoy delicious coffee and cakes but browse the aisles for gluten free treats in the adjoining shop. This little cafe is covered from head to toe in luscious plants and work by local artists which I could quite happily stare at all day long. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial to eat, the fully vegan menu offers up burgers, sandwiches and depending on the day, the house mac’ and cheese can aso be made gluten free. Just be sure to check with the staff on duty what the gluten free options of the day are.
A 100% gluten free pizzeria, Little Nonna is one my favourite spots to visit whenever I’m in Paris. Another place you can rest assured that you are being served only safely prepped gluten free food, everything here is delicious from the pizzas to the pastas to the dessert. While I’ve enjoyed the gnocchi here several times, the menu is subject to change and features a number of seasonal specials when it comes to pasta, but the tiramisu seems to stick around so order that if it’s the last thing you do!
If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to eat while in Paris or have a special occasion to celebrate, book yourself a table at Dessance where the entire tasting menu can be adapted to be gluten free and coeliac safe. We tried an array of incredible dishes here, which we matched with the wine pairing and it was spectacular. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
One of my absolute favourites in Paris – LouLou is a modern bistro with an Australian twist and a menu loaded with gluten free options to boot. Gluten free diners can enjoy a number of novelties including a loaded club sandwich or indulgent fish and chips. LouLou Friendly Diner also serves up brunch and breakfast where you can enjoy buddha bowls and a selection of gluten free muffins, banana bread and more. Don’t forget – happy hour drinks are served Monday to Friday from 4-7:30pm!
All of your pizza dreams can come true in Paris – and they will be presented to you in the shape of a heart! This classic Italian restaurant goes above and beyond for gluten free customers who can choose between their signature pizzas or a number of pasta dishes. You’ll even be served your own bread basket upon arrival. It’s hard to save room for dessert here but do know that you have options! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
When in search of steak frites in Paris, Camille should be your number one destination. The chips are fried separately (music to any coeliac’s ears) and the staff have a good understanding of allergies and cross contamination. I can’t vouch for anything else on the menu as I literally only was there for steak frites, so take my recommendation and try them with a nice glass of red for the perfect Parisian lunch or dinner. Booking ahead essential but some walk-ins seated if you’re lucky.
A 100% gluten free and organic Italian restaurant, Tasca Bio is any coeliac’s dream with fresh pizzas to die for as well as a huge pasta menu. Do check out their starters (the focaccia is unreal) and leave room for dessert because it’s all incredible. Great selection of gluten free beers on offer too. If you don’t fancy dining in, grab a pizza to go and sit by the river and watch the world go by.
The original location of what has now become a global chain, branching off into other major global cities including London and New York, still remains the best around. A paradise for meat eaters, this eatery has no menu and offers the tenderest steak, frites and secret recipe sauce to all hungry patrons. While the restaurant has no gluten free bread on offer, the main attraction is entirely gluten free, including the sauce. Be warned that the plate you are first given will not be your last, and once you have finished the wait staff will top up your plate with more food. The mouthwatering experience makes the waiting time worth it, so do not give up!
Where?
271 Boulevard Pereire 75017 Paris
Shopping
Parisian supermarkets are fantastic for gluten free. Those of you in search of packaged bread, biscuits, pasta and other items will be able to source them from stores including Bio c’ Bon, Monoprix and Carrefour, all of which have multiple locations across the city. Check their websites for your nearest branch.
An amazing selection of dry and frozen gluten free goods can also be purchased at La Maison du Sans Gluten in the 10th Arrondissement of Paris. This petite treasure trove of gluten free treats is closed on Sundays.
Where? 12 Rue d’Hauteville 75010 Paris
Gluten Free Food Tour of Paris
For those of you wanting to be led around some of the city’s top gluten free spots in style, Chiara of Baci Di Dama is your first port of call! Chiara is one of the gluten free world’s most established bloggers and organises day tours around Paris with multiple stop offs at some of the most beautiful and gluten free friendly cafes and restaurants. Chiara also organises cooking classes on demand should you have the energy after your tour so contact her for more information via her website!
Anyone with a bit more time in Paris can also take gluten free cooking classes with wonderful chef Celine. Again, venture to her webpage for more details and what she has in store for you!
Anyone keen to see the sights of Paris by river and with a side of champagne should book onto the Ô Chateau boat cruise which sets sail from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The cruise lasts around an hour, during which you can sample fantastic local champagnes and learn all about the architectural history of Paris. We opted for a night tour so we could see the city lit up and it did not disappoint. Booking ahead essential to secure the date you want.
The Gluten Free Suitcase 