The countdown to Christmas is on, and with it come the holiday dinner preparations for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. It’s entirely possible to savor these moments even if someone follows a gluten-free plan. Gluten-free options are easy to find simply by avoiding gluten-containing foods like wheat, barley, and certain oat products that can trigger intolerance.
By following this guide, readers will discover gluten-free starters to enjoy Christmas meals without worry.
Shrimp tartare
Contents
- 200 grams of shrimp
- 2 avocados
- 1 lemon
- Oil, salt and spices to taste
detailing
First, the shrimp are peeled and cleaned. After cleaning, they are cut into small pieces. They are briefly cooked for about one minute to keep them slightly firm. The avocado is peeled and cut into cubes. The lemon is used to prevent oxidation, and the same treatment is applied to the other citrus as needed.
Once all ingredients are prepared, they are mixed together with salt, oil, and spices to taste. A touch of ground pepper and a dash of Tabasco can add a lively heat. This tartare can be served in a single bowl or divided into small portions for individual servings. Enjoy this vibrant starter.
Zucchini rolls
Contents
- 2 zucchinis
- 200 grams of minced meat
- 100 grams of tomato sauce
- 50 grams of cream cheese
- Half an onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Oil, salt, black pepper and thyme
- Grated cheese
detailing
Begin by cleaning and slicing the zucchini into pieces thick enough to hold a filling without breaking. Lightly brown the slices in a pan until both sides are golden. In the meantime, prepare the filling by sautéing garlic and onion until they turn a rich golden color. Add the minced meat and season with salt and pepper. Once the meat is cooked, combine it with the cream cheese in a separate bowl to form a smooth filling.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Place a layer of tomato sauce on a baking sheet, then add a portion of meat filling onto each zucchini slice and roll it up. Arrange the rolls on the tomato layer. When all rolls are prepared, spoon additional tomato sauce over them and, if desired, top with grated cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes until the rolls are heated through and the cheese melts and browns slightly.
Potato Creamy Donuts
Contents
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper and nutmeg
- Liquid cooking cream
- One quail egg per person
detailing
The first step is to prepare a smooth mashed potato base. Potatoes are scrubbed and peeled, then cut into chunks and cooked in salted water until tender. After cooking, they are drained and allowed to cool briefly. The potatoes are then mashed with chives and a splash of cooking cream, with additional hot water or cream added as needed to reach a creamy, fluffy texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for warmth.
Next, the quail eggs are cooked for about two to two and a half minutes to maintain a slightly soft center. After cooling and peeling, they are ready to pair with the creamy potato base. A simple serving idea is to place a small dollop of the mashed potato on a serving dish, top with a quail egg, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives for color and aroma.
These comforting bites make a charming trio of gluten-free starters that feel festive and satisfying, perfect for a Canadian or American holiday table.