Greek cuisine is brimming with mouthwatering dishes that combine fresh ingredients with traditional cooking techniques. But if you have gluten intolerance, you might wonder if Greek food is free of gluten or if there are any gluten-free Greek dishes you can savor. The answer is: of course, they are! In this article, we will share the best gluten-free Greek food along with some helpful tips about gluten-free dining. Let’s start!
If you love Greek food but also follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll be happy to know that there are many gluten-free options you can choose from. So, here are some of the most delicious Greek gluten-free comfort foods you can incorporate into your diet:
Dolmades are arguably one of the most popular delicacies of traditional Greek cuisine, and the best part is that they are gluten-free! Also known as dolmadakia, dolmades consist of vine leaves, rice, herbs, and onion, all of which are free of gluten. They can be perfectly paired with tzatziki or yogurt sauce or be eaten on their own as an appetizer. Either way, they are scrumptious!
Lentil soup is not only one of the most nutritious Greek comfort foods, but it is also gluten-free! Although there are many variations of this recipe across the Greek regions, the original recipe includes lentils, virgin olive oil, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and a rich tomato sauce. It is served hot with a side of feta cheese or olives!
Cabbage dolmas with minced meat are the epitome of Greek comfort food! Delicious and hearty, they offer the perfect balance between creamy and zesty. Also known as lahanodolmades, cabbage dolmas with minced meat are similar to dolmades but contain different ingredients. This recipe uses cabbage leaves instead of vine leaves, while the stuffing consists of a mix of minced meat and rice. Yum!
Giant beans are very nutritious and can be cooked in many different ways. However, one of the most delicious ones is oven-baked with tomatoes, onion, and herbs! This recipe is very popular among the Greek regions with each of them incorporating different ingredients into the original recipe. Oven-baked giant beans are perfectly paired with feta cheese and can be savored even by those who follow a vegan Mediterranean diet!
Baked chicken with potatoes is a crowd-pleaser; no wonder Greeks adore it and eat it regularly both at home and at traditional taverns! In this recipe, the chicken is baked with chewy potatoes, drizzled with a sauce containing olive oil, lemon juice, and mustard, and seasoned with spices. Simply irresistible!
Greek-style eggplants, also known as imam, is a hearty local dish that can be enjoyed either as an appetizer or as a main course. Vegan and gluten-free, this dish consists of eggplants topped with a rich tomato sauce, onion, aromatic herbs, and virgin olive oil. It’s the quintessential traditional Greek dish!
When it comes to gluten-free dining, there are some tips you can follow to avoid eating food that might contain gluten:
This is something you should keep in mind if you’re following a gluten-free diet! By reading the food labels, you can tell if a food contains wheat, rye, kamut, semolina, barley, oats, or another ingredient with gluten.
Although it may seem that a gluten-free diet limits your options, the truth is that most foods are naturally gluten-free! Fruits, vegetables, eggs, legumes, meat, and fish don’t contain gluten, so they can be consumed freely in a balanced gluten-free diet. What’s more, they can serve as bases for creating countless delicious meals without worrying about cross-contamination!
Eating out can be a challenge for those who follow a gluten-free diet, but nowadays many restaurants have gluten-free menus or offer gluten-free options. However, to make sure that your food is not prepared along with foods that contain gluten, it’s wise to ask the staff. If a restaurant you visit doesn’t offer gluten-free options, you can ask the chef to make some adjustments or remove ingredients!
Who said that eating gluten-free should be restrictive? As we mentioned above, there are plenty of naturally gluten-free foods, so you can use those to create your favorite dishes. If, on the other hand, you want to cook a food that typically contains gluten, you can always swap some ingredients or use their gluten-free alternatives. That’s the perfect opportunity to boost your creativity in the kitchen!
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, there are still many Greek comfort foods you can enjoy. Gluten-free Greek food is full of flavor, and nutrient-dense ingredients, while many of the traditional recipes are naturally gluten-free. So, if you love eating Greek food, you don’t have to stop enjoying your favorite dishes!
