Gluten Free Diet -Polenta Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Following a Gluten Free Diet - The growing Trend {Guest Post}

The Gluten free regimen is in fashion these days. Almost every individual who gets to know about the benefits of a Gluten free diet is motivated enough to go for it irrespective of the fact whether he or she is suffering from Celiac. The trend has been observed in the past few years and is not localized to any geographical location but is equally distributed across the country.

The benefits of a gluten free diet are immense thus its not surprising that a major chunk of the population has taken a fancy to this lifestyle. The gravity of change in the lifestyle of the American population can be gauged from the fact that 15% to 25% of consumers want gluten-free foods — though doctors estimate just 1% have celiac disease.

Apart from benefitting individuals suffering from Celiac a gluten free diet has its own benefits for normal individuals. Once an individual has migrated from a normal diet to a Gluten free diet chances are there is going to be an improvement in your cholesterol levels, digestion, and energy level. This is a big reason why people are fast migrating to this healthy lifestyle. Another factor that’s keeping the motivation level high towards a gluten free diet is the ability of an individual to loose weight while being on a Gluten free diet.

There are many misconceptions associated with a Gluten free diet. A major misconception that has no grounds is that a Gluten free diet will lead to deficiency of many essential nutrients. But same is the case with the normal diet if individuals don’t have a balanced diet. One needs to be careful even while having a normal diet to keep a balanced diet to keep any deficiencies at bay. Having a lot of fruits and salads is obviously going to be helpful in pulling one through the gluten free lifestyle with ease. 

Following a Gluten free regimen is not as difficult as it looks from the outside. Consider preparing chicken that is gluten free and healthy for the body. Go through the process and the ingredients you will find that its quite easy and does not deviate much from your culinary skills that you already posses. To prepare Polenta Chicken Pot Pies you need 1 tablespoon cornstarch, along with 3 cups gluten free chicken stock, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 carrots chopped into small pieces, Salt and Pepper to taste, 1 cup cream or coconut milk, 1 cup frozen baby onions, 3 cups cooked chicken meat, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary mince it to have the right effect on the recipe, 1 cup frozen peas, ¾ cup quick cook polenta, 1 cup grated cheese. The cheese is optional if you have decided to make it dairy free.

Once you have all the ingredients lined up you need to mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup chicken stock and set aside. Concurrently in a large skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat and then add the chopped carrots. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the carrots just start to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add 1 ¾ cups chicken stock, the cream or coconut milk, chopped chicken, frozen onions and minced rosemary and bring to a simmer. You can also add any roasted veggies you may have on hand, butternut squash or potatoes are particularly good. Let simmer about 15 minutes. The veggies should be tender and the chicken heated through. Add the frozen peas. Turn the heat up; bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Boil for 1 minute and take off the heat. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Divide the mixture between 4 oven proof bowls or ramekins and set them on a baking sheet.

Preheat the broiler and place the oven rack in the middle.

In a saucepan over medium high heat, bring the remaining cup of chicken stock and remaining half cup of cream or coconut milk to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and cook until thick, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheese until melted.

Its time to top the chicken mixture with the polenta and smooth it. Place in pre-heated broiler for 2 -3 minutes or until the tops are browned. Serve with a garnish of rosemary sprigs if desired.

Trust me the taste and texture of the chicken will be better than the regular chicken you have had before you actually went on a Gluten Free diet. The taste and variety available in the Gluten Free Regimen have improved by leaps and bounds which has attracted scores of individuals into its loop.

Links : 

www.simplygluten-free.com

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Author Bio:

The author, Elva G Lamont,  is an expert in writing on topics like Food, health and Medical Issues. She is a fitness freak and believes that nutritious food and good health are the essential elements of life that help a human being lead a quality life. Being gluten intolerant she is a big time advocate of a Gluten Free Food and Gluten Free Recipes