Add Versatility to Your Celiac Safe Menu This May

Posted on May 02, 2018

Did you know 1 in 133 people in the U.S. have celiac disease? While this number may seem small, the impact to those affected can be great if not cared for properly. The Celiac Disease Foundation indicates celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the small intestine of those affected when they consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Over time, damage to the small intestine, more specifically, the villi, leads to the inability to properly absorb nutrients. The only treatment for those diagnosed with celiac disease, like most food allergies, is to avoid the consumption of foods containing gluten.

With this disease comes fewer options at meal time. But there are alternatives that allow those affected to add some creativity back to their diet. Sorghum is a naturally gluten-free, nutritious whole grain that is low in fat, an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins and a good source of protein. May is Celiac Awareness Month and we will be sharing celiac safe sorghum recipes all month long. Below are a few of our favorite sorghum meal solutions to help add variety to breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast

Make breakfast tasty with versatile sorghum. Use sorghum to make a whole grain breakfast bowl with your favorite fruits or blend the grain in a smoothie for an extra boost of fiber and protein. If you prefer a warm breakfast dish, use sorghum flour in these decadent waffles or pancakes. In a time-crunch? Find a cereal made with sorghum at the grocery store like Multi-Grain Cheerios.

Snack

There are a lot of gluten-free snack options available today, and sorghum is a great whole grain to add to the list. Satisfy your snack-time cravings with these cheese crackeers or pop a batch of popped sorghum. Prefer a snack on the sweeter side? Try this granola that uses sorghum in three ways. For an on-the-go snack try KIND Kids™ bars.

Lunch/Dinner

Add some creativity to lunch and dinner with sorghum. Use all-purpose sorghum flour to make your favorite pizza crust or bread recipe. Think outside-the-box and use sorghum grain in a unique way, such as an alternative to pasta in this Sorghum Lasagna Bowl or Sorghetti. Have a busy day and no time to cook? Try Chick-fil-A's gluten free bun or  Papa John’s gluten free pizza crust.

Dessert

Revive your dessert menu with sorghum. For a warm, home-baked dessert try making this cobbler. Prefer a lighter option? Use whole grain sorghum in this apple bake. For an easier solution look for Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix at your local grocery store.

What are some of your favorite gluten-free meals? Follow along and share your favorite recipes on our Simply Sorghum social media channels.

Check out the Beyond Celiac GREAT Kitchens webinar, Sorghum A Superfood for additional ideas for satisfying gluten-free options with sorghum.

*Note. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, always check the ingredient labels to ensure the product is gluten free/certified gluten free.