My daughters first high school dance is coming up and she asked if I could make a gluten free french gourmet dinner at home for him. Her date was gluten free and she didn't want him to feel like he wasn't able to eat like they were.
Of course she said, "It should be pretty easy, right?"
French cuisine and gluten-free options
I wish there was a way to send her back to foods class. I don't think she listened that when it comes to French cuisine, gluten is often a key ingredient in many of the classic dishes.
From croissants to baguettes, French food is known for its use of wheat flour. However, with more and more people adopting a gluten-free lifestyle, it's important to know that you don't have to sacrifice the rich and indulgent flavors of French cuisine. With a little creativity and some knowledge of alternative ingredients, you can still enjoy the taste of France without any gluten.
The first step in creating a gluten-free French dinner is to do some research. Look up traditional French dishes and take note of the ingredients. Then, start thinking about substitutions. For example, instead of wheat flour, you can use almond flour or coconut flour or a gluten free baking mix. Instead of regular bread crumbs, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or even crushed nuts. With a little experimentation, you'll find that many classic French dishes can be made gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
Planning the menu
Now it's time to start planning your menu. When it comes to French cuisine, there are so many delicious options to choose from. Start by selecting a few appetizers, a main course, a couple of side dishes, and a dessert. If you're not sure where to begin, here are a few suggestions:
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Step 1: Appetizers and starters
One classic French appetizer that can easily be made gluten-free is escargot. Simply swap out the traditional bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. But getting high school students to eat snails? We opted for a cheese platter with gluten-free crackers and sliced apples. We also made a gluten free French onion soup made topped with a gluten-free baguette slice and melted cheese. We've also found a gluten free French onion soup mix on Amazon.
Get Gluten Free French Onion Soup MixGluten free Gougeres
Traditional french gougeres are cheese puff style bread. They are light and fluffy and absolutely melt in your mouth! We found this recipe for making your own gluten free gougeres or you can purchase gluten free Brazillian cheese bread. It's not the same, but it is pretty close. It's also available at most grocery stores.
Gluten free croissants
Croissants are another good appetizer or snack. You can make your own gluten free croissants, or purchase them! Or local grocery store carries croissants that are gluten free. And you can even purchase gourmet gluten free croissants online!
And you can even make this amazing gluten free croissant french toast with any leftover croissants the next morning!
Step 2: Main course options
When it comes to the main course, there are plenty of options that can be made gluten-free. Coq au vin, a classic French dish made with chicken, wine, and bacon, can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce. Another option is gluten free ratatouille, a vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Step 3: Side dishes
When it comes to side dishes, there are plenty of options that can be made gluten-free. One classic French side dish is gratin dauphinois, a potato gratin made with cream and garlic. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made even more indulgent by adding cheese. Another delicious option is French green beans with almonds. Simply sauté fresh green beans with garlic and top with toasted sliced almonds.
Step 4: Dessert
When it comes to dessert, there are a few classic French options that can easily be made gluten-free. Crème brûlée, a rich and creamy custard topped with caramelized sugar, is naturally gluten-free. Another classic French dessert is a gluten free fruit tart. Simply use a gluten-free pie crust and fill it with fresh fruit and a light custard. In a pinch I've used dairy free vanilla pudding mix in place of making my own custard.
See Dairy Free Pudding OptionsEclairs and cream puffs
You can never go wrong with eclairs! These gluten free eclairs are perfect! If you are looking for gluten free cream puffs you can make your own or a company called Delizza offers gluten free mini cream puffs and mini eclairs at stores like Sprouts.
Enjoy your french dinner!
Creating a gluten-free gourmet French dinner may seem daunting at first, but with a little creativity and some knowledge of alternative ingredients, it's easier than you think. By planning your menu carefully and paying attention to ingredients, you can enjoy the rich and savory flavors of French cuisine without sacrificing your gluten-free lifestyle. So, the next time you're craving the taste of France, whip up one of these delicious gluten-free dishes and savor the flavors. Bon appétit!
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