Dining on the Rocks

Month: October 2024

  • Some of the Best Gluten Free Pasta Recipes

    Some of the Best Gluten Free Pasta Recipes

    Eating fresh pasta is a different experience to eating dried pasta, and you might think that once you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease and are cutting out gluten from your diet, that fresh pasta (or any type of pasta) will be off the menu. This isn’t the case at all thankfully, and there are some delicious gluten free pasta recipes for you to try out. There’s no reason why you can’t continue to get your fresh pasta fix, even if you are going gluten free!

    Going gluten free

    There are several reasons why a person might decide to avoid gluten, from coeliac disease to a gluten intolerance, food allergies to gluten sensitivity and a lifestyle choice. If you like pasta, there are many gluten free pasta products available on the market to choose from, alongside gluten free flour mixes that help you to create your own, fresh pasta without needing to compromise on taste.

    Best gluten free flour for pasta

    If you want to make your own fresh pasta, it is easier than ever before with gluten free flours available in supermarkets, and on prescription. For a coeliac, gluten free flour should always be a cupboard staple, an essential that you can use at home to make bread, pizza, pies, and fresh, homemade pasta. Traditional flour that contains gluten that activates when water is added to the flour, allowing for the dough to expand and keep its shape. Gluten free flour is made with gluten free ingredients, and is used instead of traditional wheat, barley, and rye flours. It can be made from buckwheat, rice, and tapioca.

    3 gluten free pasta recipes

    Making gluten free pasta at home is fun and there are so many different variations of pasta that you can make. Here are three of our favourite gluten free pasta recipes.

    3-ingredient pasta dough

    All you need for this recipe is gluten free flour, xanthan gum, and eggs. Use the gluten free flour blend that you like to make the pasta dough, the eggs bind it together, and the xanthan gum makes it flexible, as the gluten alternative.

    • Everything goes in one bowl, making this an easy recipe to make. Mix the flour and xanthan gum together, make a well in the middle and crack in the eggs 
    • Scramble the eggs slightly, mixing in the flour and xanthan mixture until the dough is sticky. 
    • Knead for 2 to 3 minutes and then roll out and cut into four even pieces
    • If you have a pasta machine, you’ll use it at this stage to flatten a piece of dough after adding some flour on both sides, being as quick as you can and passing it through a few times until you have the desired width and length that you desire. If you don’t have a pasta machine, you can achieve this with elbow grease and a rolling pin
    • Cut into the shape you want, and you can then use the pasta immediately by tossing it into boiling water with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes
    • Alternatively, you can leave it out on a cooling rack to use the next day

    This is fantastic fresh pasta that you can use with a variety of ingredients and sauces to make delicious pasta dishes.

    Spaghetti and Italian meatballs

    This delicious classic takes under an hour to prepare and can be cooked in around half hour, serving 4 people.

    Ingredients:

    • 500g pork and beef mix mince
    • 2 crushed garlic cloves
    • 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
    • 1 tablespoon of chopped basil
    • 25g grated parmesan
    • 140g tomato puree
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 finely chopped brown onion
    • 700ml passata
    • 500g gluten free spaghetti

    Cooking method:

    • Mix the mince, parsley, garlic, parmesan and tomato puree in a bowl and shape into small balls. Place in a fridge for 30 minutes until chilled
    • Heat the oil over a medium heat and add meatballs to cook. Turn after 5 minutes or when browned and then transfer to a plate
    • Cook the onion in the same pan for 5 minutes or until soft
    • Add the passata, the rest of the tomato puree and 250ml of water, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer for 10 minutes
    • Place the meatballs back into the pan and cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened through
    • Cook gluten free pasta in boiling water to your taste and drain well
    • Divide the spaghetti, pasta sauce and meatballs into four serving bowls

    Butternut squash mac and cheese

    This is a delicious, unctuous gluten free pasta dish that is simple to make, great as a gluten free alternative, and can be easily separated into batches when cooked to be frozen for future use.

    Ingredients for the mac and cheese:

    • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
    • 2 chopped brown onions
    • 2 gluten free vegetable stock cubes
    • 1 litre of boiling water
    • 600g of peeled, deseeded and chopped butternut squash
    • 600g of peeled and chopped sweet potatoes
    • 200ml semi-skimmed milk
    • 1kg gluten free pasta (choose a short pasta such as macaroni)
    • 360g mature cheddar cheese
    • 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper

    Additional (optional) ingredients:

    • 200g frozen peas
    • 200g frozen sweetcorn (drained)
    • 200g sliced and fried mushrooms
    • 200g broccoli florets
    • 200g halved cherry tomatoes
    • Trimmed and chopped spring onions

    The beauty with this dish is that you can add any or all of the above ingredients to customise it how you like!

    Method:

    • Add the oil and onions into a large pan and cook for 5 minutes or until they are softened
    • Dissolve the stock cubes in a large jug
    • Stir the butternut squash and sweet potatoes in with the onions, and add in the stock and milk
    • Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes
    • Pre-heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/Gas 7
    • Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add your gluten free pasta and cook for just under 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set to one side
    • Blend the butternut squash, sweet potato and onion mixture until it is smooth. Add the cheese, salt and black pepper and cook on a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has fully melted
    • Add the pasta to the mixture and cook for another 2 minutes
    • At this point you can add in any of the additional ingredients and stir through before serving

    *A gluten free garlic bread is a fantastic addition to this dish to help you mop up once the pasta is finished!

    Have a go at making your own fresh pasta or following some of the tasty gluten free pasta recipes with a wide variety of sauce and ingredients to try out. If you have recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease, you might be entitled to a gluten free prescription where you can gain access to a range of gluten free products. This includes gluten free pasta for those of you who are living in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. A gluten free prescription is a fantastic way to find gluten free products and is a great support for those on the gluten free journey.

  • The Best Outdoor Bars in Long Beach: Enjoy Fun and Refreshing Drinks with a View

    The Best Outdoor Bars in Long Beach: Enjoy Fun and Refreshing Drinks with a View

    Long Beach, California, is renowned for its stunning coastal views and vibrant nightlife. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a bustling hub of activity, particularly around its outdoor bars. These venues offer not only refreshing drinks but also the chance to soak in the beautiful ocean vistas, enjoy a gentle breeze, and connect with friends. For both locals and visitors, outdoor bars in Long Beach present an excellent opportunity to unwind and relish the lively atmosphere.

    Coastal Vibes and Craft Cocktails

    One of the main attractions of outdoor bars in Long Beach is their unique ability to blend coastal charm with innovative drink offerings. Many establishments take pride in their craft cocktails, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and inventive mixology techniques. Imagine sipping a freshly made mojito while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, the sound of waves crashing nearby creating a perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening.

    Bars like The Shore emphasize the importance of fresh ingredients in their cocktails. Their bartenders often craft seasonal drinks, utilizing herbs and fruits sourced from local farmers’ markets. This not only enhances the flavor profile of their drinks but also promotes sustainability within the community. As you indulge in a refreshing beverage, you can feel good knowing that you are supporting local agriculture and enjoying the best flavors Long Beach has to offer.

    Stunning Locations with a View

    What truly sets outdoor bars in Long Beach apart is their prime locations. Many of these venues boast breathtaking views of the waterfront, making them ideal spots to enjoy a drink while soaking in the scenery. The Balcony Bar is one such place that offers an unobstructed view of the harbor. With its elevated position, patrons can gaze at the boats gliding through the water, creating a picturesque setting that enhances the overall drinking experience.

    Additionally, The Long Beach Beer Lab features a spacious outdoor patio adorned with string lights and vibrant decor. This spot not only serves a rotating selection of house-brewed beers but also hosts food trucks that enhance the outdoor dining experience. The combination of craft beer, delightful food options, and a lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

    The Social Experience

    Outdoor bars in Long Beach are more than just places to grab a drink; they are social hubs where friends and strangers alike gather to enjoy each other’s company. The laid-back ambiance encourages conversations, laughter, and new connections. Establishments like The Nest create a welcoming environment with their open-air seating arrangements, perfect for group gatherings or intimate dates.

    Live music and events are also commonplace at many outdoor bars, adding to the vibrant social scene. Bars such as The Blind Donkey often feature local bands and DJs, providing entertainment that complements their extensive drink menu. The energy of live performances, combined with refreshing cocktails, makes for an unforgettable night out.

    A Culinary Twist

    Beyond just drinks, outdoor bars in Long Beach frequently offer delicious food pairings that elevate the overall experience. Many venues collaborate with local chefs to create unique menus that pair perfectly with their drink selections. For instance, Rasselbock is known for its German-inspired fare, featuring dishes like pretzels and sausages that pair excellently with their extensive beer list.

    Furthermore, the fusion of cuisines often found at these bars creates an exciting dining experience. Many outdoor bars host food trucks or pop-up restaurants, providing patrons with a rotating selection of culinary delights. This approach keeps the menu fresh and encourages repeat visits, as there’s always something new to try.

    The Perfect Atmosphere for Any Occasion

    Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a casual night out with friends, or simply seeking a place to unwind after a long day, outdoor bars in Long Beach cater to all preferences. The diverse atmospheres range from laid-back lounges to lively party spots, ensuring that everyone can find their ideal drinking environment.

    For a relaxed vibe, The Wine Bar offers a cozy outdoor patio where wine lovers can sample a variety of local and international selections. The intimate setting, complete with comfortable seating and lush greenery, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for a leisurely afternoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something more energetic, The Alley presents a lively scene with DJs and dance floors, drawing in a crowd ready to celebrate.

    Outdoor bars in Long Beach provide the perfect blend of stunning views, refreshing drinks, and vibrant social atmospheres. With their commitment to craft cocktails, delicious food pairings, and the overall enjoyment of life, these venues invite both locals and tourists to experience the best of what Long Beach has to offer. The combination of great drinks and beautiful settings makes these outdoor bars a must-visit, ensuring that your time spent in Long Beach is nothing short of memorable.