Gluten free is much more than just a fad these day. In fact there are hundreds of studies behind the restrictive diet and why it is so important for certain individuals, and certain illnesses.
Gluten health risks:
- Inflammation
- Celiac disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Pain
- Bloating
- Stool inconsistency
- Neurological illnesses
…and those are just to name a few. Watch this video for more:
Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs
One of the most difficult transitions to a gluten-free lifestyle is finding an alternative for bread crumbs in baking, cooking and especially crusting meat. Check out theses 6 bread crumb alternatives.
1. Gluten-free oats:
One of the most popular versions of gluten-free bread crumbs is using rolled oats. But bee careful which oats you choose because some can contain hints of gluten. A quick cycle in a blender makes rolled oats the perfect alternative for traditional bread crumbs. You can even make it your own by adding a pinch of your favorite herbs or parmesan cheese.
2. Crushed flax:
Increasing greatly in popularity lately, especially as an egg substitute in the vegan community, flax works very well as a binding agent. By using flax instead of gluten, you are also giving yourself an extra dose of fiber and omega 3’s. To use it for bread crumbs is actually pretty easy. Substitute the flax for whatever gluten agent you’re replacing. Keep in mind that you will need to add some water for the flax to bind properly.
3.Gluten Free pretzels:
Go to to your local grocery store and pick out a bag of your favorite pretzels. Well…maybe not your favorite, but pick out a gluten free brand. These will work really well for bread crumbs. You will need 1 cup of gluten free pretzels and 1/2 tsp Italian season. Mix together in a food processor for about 1-1/2 minutes. Or until the mixture resembled fine bread crumbs. Pour into a bowl and add the seasoning. It is important to remember when using these bread crumbs that you need to adjust for the salt in the dish since pretzels are salty.
4. Almond Flour:
Almond flour can be substituted in pretty much any recipe that uses flour. Including, of course, bread crumb recipes. This particular substitute will have the most similar consistency to typical gluten-rich recipes. You will need, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt, 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
5. Gluten free bread:
Gluten free bread can be pricey, so you probably don’t want to make up a loaf just for bread crumbs. Where am I going with this you ask? Well if you ever fed your stale bread to ducks you might have an idea. You can use your stale gluten free bread for some divine breadcrumbs. Take your stale bread and toss it in the food processor, or blender and mix until it turns into bread crumbs.
6. Commercial gluten free bread crumbs:
So, if you’re not into the whole, do-it-yourself versions, or you simply don’t have the time, do not worry! There are several forward thinking companies who offer ready-made gluten free bread crumbs. They have yet to hit the shelves in local grocery stores and markets, but they’re available at Amazon and other websites:
- Schar
- Glutino
- Gillian’s Foods
- Kinnikinnick Panko Style Bread Crumbs
- Ener-G
- Aleia’s Gluten Free Italian Bread Crumbs
So basically,
Gluten isn’t the greatest ingredient to be cooking with. Even if you’re not gluten free it’s a good idea to avoid it where you can. Try out these 6 alternatives the next time your cooking.
You might be surprised how much you like them.
Sources:
http://greatist.com/health/27-gluten-free-recipe-substitutions
http://beardandbonnet.com/3-secrets-taking-bread-out-of-gluten-free-bread-crumbs-gluten-free-vegan/
https://authoritynutrition.com/6-shocking-reasons-why-gluten-is-bad/
http://www.whatcontainsgluten.com/2013/01/gluten-free-alternatives-to-bread-crumbs.html
Image Sources:
http://originalkettlecorn.webs.com/Gluten-Free.jpg
http://bargainbriana.com/wp-content/uploads/Bobs-Red-Mill.jpg
http://flaxseed.gojiking.co.uk/images/brown-flaxseed.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/814wMIhxEML._SY679_.jpg
http://www.seriouseats.com/images/2012/08/20120810-chex-rice.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/b8/0d/74/b80d74b4d1682f52acbd06bea0b4c2fd.jpg
http://www.bobsredmill.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/670×630/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/9/4999c164_superfinealmondflour_f_hr.jpg
http://www.glutenfreemall.com/catalog/images/schar_bread_crumbs.jpg
