Gluten-Free Grains - Cooking Light

1204 GF Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried-Cherry Sauce

Photo: Oxmoor House

Steering clear of gluten doesn't mean staying away from all grains. An abundance of alternative grain choices makes diet restrictions easier to swallow. Try these tasty recipes starring gluten-free grains.

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Creamy Gorgonzola Teff with Herb Roasted Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Creamy Gorgonzola Teff with Herb Roasted Tomatoes

Did you know teff is a tiny grain that cooks in just 20 minutes? It’s porridgy, like polenta, with a deep, toasty flavor, and can be enjoyed sweet for breakfast or savory with dinner, like in this tasty dish.

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Basmati Rice with Basil and Mint

Photo: Karry Hosford

View Recipe: Basmati Rice with Basil and Mint

This recipe uses a 2-step, foolproof cooking method, that also works well with long-grain white rice and jasmine rice. Tip: Remember to check for gluten in chicken broth.

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Toasted Millet with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Toasted Millet with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Millet is fast, easy-to-make and has a nice fluffy texture. Its corn-forward flavor makes it perfect for spicy, highly seasoned recipes, and it works great as a pilaf.

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Greek Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Greek Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

If you don't have dill on hand, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives will also work in this delicious risotto dish.

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Smoky Sausage and Peppers on Cheddary Brown Rice Farina

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Smoky Sausage and Peppers on Cheddary Brown Rice Farina

This savory, comfort food dish is going to be an instant hit. Check for gluten in the smoked turkey sausage before making a selection.

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Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita

This Indian-inspired meal features quinoa, a high-protein grain that cooks relatively quickly. We like the heat that Madras curry powder brings, but use regular curry powder if you prefer.

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Vanilla Amaranth with Peach Compote

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Vanilla Amaranth with Peach Compote

Amaranth cooks up creamy and tender; don’t expect it to fluff. That makes it ideal for a breakfast with fruit, vanilla, and warm spices.

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Baked Rice with Butternut Squash

Photo: Karry Hosford

View Recipe: Baked Rice with Butternut Squash

This casserole-style dish is full of flavor from the tender butternut squash and combination of herbs and cheese. Tip: Remember to check for gluten in chicken broth.

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Sorghum with Summer Corn, Tomatoes, and Tarragon

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Sorghum with Summer Corn, Tomatoes, and Tarragon

Sorghum is mild and slightly sweet, like a chewier version of Israeli couscous when cooked. It needs at least an hour to simmer, so consider making it in batches and freeze for later.

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Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad

It’s important that the amaranth is placed in a fine mesh sieve; the grain is so small that it will slip through a traditional strainer. If one is not available, place the cooked amaranth on a large baking sheet, and spread it in a thin layer so it will cool without clumping together.

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Cheesy Buckwheat with Kale and Mushrooms

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Cheesy Buckwheat with Kale and Mushroom

Buckwheat is earthy and pairs well with smoky flavors. It tends to clump when simply boiled in water, so to keep a desirable consistency, beat an egg into the grain to coat each groat, toast in a pan until dry, and then add liquid.

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Soft Tacos with Green Chile-Cilantro Rice and Egg

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Soft Tacos with Green Chile-Cilantro Rice and Egg

This versatile dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Tip: Remember to check for gluten in corn tortillas.

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Baked Rice (Arroz al Horno)

Photo: Jan Smith

View Recipe: Baked Rice (Arroz al Horno)

A traditional dish in Valencia, baked rice is delicious with pork or chicken. Tip: Remember to check for gluten in chicken broth.

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Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried-Cherry Sauce

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried-Cherry Sauce

Aromatic jasmine rice cooks to a moist texture—perfect for rice pudding. Use a pan with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching.

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Gluten-Free Grain Recipes

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Creamy Gorgonzola Teff with Herb Roasted Tomatoes