Clean Cuisine: Naturally Gluten Free Food From Around The World

CLEAN CUISINE: NATURALLY GLUTEN FREE CUISINES FROM AROUND THE WORLIt's no secret that the gluten-free diet has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and it's not just due to people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Many individuals have adopted this lifestyle because they believe it to be healthier, and more and more restaurants and grocery stores have jumped on board to cater to this growing demand. But what about cuisines that are naturally gluten-free, without the need for substitutes or special modifications?

Persian Food: Beef and Chicken skewered kababs served with sour orange and charred tomatoes. Something like this would be plated with fluffy basmati rice and a crisp chopped cucumber-tomato-onion ‘shirazi’ salad. No gluten!

• Mexico is a prime example of a cuisine that's full of gluten-free options. While flour tortillas are commonly associated with Mexican cuisine, in reality, corn is the star ingredient in many authentic Mexican dishes. From tacos made with soft corn tortillas to tamales wrapped in corn masa and husks, there are plenty of delicious, gluten-free options to choose from.

• Persian cuisine is another great example of a gluten-free cuisine. Rice is a staple ingredient in many Iranian dishes, and it's often served alongside a "khoresht," a type of stew that can be made with a variety of ingredients like lamb, chicken, or eggplant. Many of these stews are naturally gluten-free, along with a variety of grilled or braised meats that are mouthwateringly delicious. While some breads may be served along with meals, they’re optional, making the main meal gluten-free!

• Thai cuisine is also naturally gluten-free, with many dishes featuring rice noodles or rice paper wraps. While some chefs may use flour to thicken sauces, cornstarch is often used as a substitute. With a wide variety of curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes to choose from, GF yumminess is never out of arms reach. 

• Indian food is full of bold flavors and aromatic spices, and many dishes are naturally gluten-free. Traditional dishes like chana masala (spiced chickpeas), aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), and samosas (savory pastries filled with potatoes and peas) are all made without gluten. Many Indian dishes are also vegetarian or vegan. 

• Ethiopian cuisine is known for its unique flavors and communal eating style. Injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. Teff is a naturally gluten-free grain that is high in fiber and protein. It's used in many other traditional Ethiopian dishes like stews, salads, and porridges, making Ethiopian food a great GF cuisine.

Mexican Food: so many Mexican dishes use corn tortillas as the vehicle for flavor. Lucky for us, corn is gluten free!

It's important to note that while these cuisines may offer plenty of gluten-free options, it's still important to be aware of potential cross-contamination in restaurants or when cooking at home. Additionally, it's worth noting that the prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can vary widely by country. For example, celiac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people in the United States, while in Italy, it affects approximately 1 in 250 people. However, it's estimated that many cases of celiac disease go undiagnosed, making it difficult to determine the true prevalence of the condition.

Thai Cuisine: Rice is a main ingredient in many Thai dishes. In this case, a huge plate of Pad Thai with rice noodles slathered in a peanutty, spicy sauce and stir-fried with a variety of veg.

Regardless of the prevalence of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity in a given country, it's clear that there are plenty of delicious, naturally gluten-free cuisines out there to enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for Mexican, Persian, Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, or another naturally gluten-free cuisine, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. By exploring different cuisines, you can expand your palate and discover new flavors while also maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle.