Are you wondering whether Colombian food is suitable for someone who is on a gluten free diet? Or maybe you want to hear about examples of Colombian dishes that are gluten free? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about gluten in Colombian food.
We start out by talking about which common Colombian dishes and ingredients are gluten free. After that, we discuss common Colombian dishes and ingredients that are not gluten free. Next, we discuss examples of Colombian dishes that may or may not be gluten free depending on where you get them. Finally, we discuss whether Colombian food is a good option for someone with a gluten intolerance.
What Colombian food is gluten free?
What Colombian food is gluten free? In this section, we will discuss examples of Colombian items that are entirely gluten free. We will start by discussing examples of ingredients that are commonly used in Colombian cooking that are gluten free. After that, we will discuss examples of Colombian dishes that are gluten free.
Note that while the items we discuss in this section are commonly gluten free, that does not mean that they will be gluten free at all establishments. As always, you should make sure to check with the chef or read the allergen label to make sure that the specific item you plan to eat is gluten free.
Gluten free Colombian ingredients
What common ingredients that are used in Colombian cooking are gluten free? Here are some common examples of ingredients that are used in Colombian cooking that are gluten free.
- Vegetables (corn, plantains, yuca, potatoes, avocado, guava)
- Meats (fish, chicken, beef, pork, goat)
- Aromatics (onion, garlic)
- Herbs (cilantro, green onions)
- Spices (cumin, black pepper)
- Cheese
- Rice
- Beans
- Yucca flour
- Masarepa and other corn-based flours
Gluten free Colombian dishes
What are some examples of common Colombian dishes that are gluten free? Here are some common examples of Colombian dishes that are entirely gluten free.
- Arepas
- Empanadas
- Tamales
- Pan de bono
- Patacones or twice fried green plantains
- Bandeja paisa or meat, bean and vegetable platters
- Ajiaco or chicken and potato soup
- Sancocho or meat stew
What Colombian food is not gluten free?
What are some examples of Colombian items that are not gluten free? In this section, we will discuss Colombian items that are usually not gluten free. First, we will discuss ingredients that are used in Colombian cooking that are not gluten free. After that, we will discuss examples of Colombian dishes that are not gluten free.
Colombian ingredients that contain gluten
What are some examples of ingredients that are used in Colombian food that contain gluten? Here are some examples of common Colombian ingredients that contain gluten.
- Wheat flour
Colombian dishes that contain gluten
What are some examples of common Colombian dishes that contain gluten? Here are some common examples of Colombian dishes that contain gluten.
- Obleas (when made with wheat flour)
Colombian dishes that may or may not contain gluten
What are some examples of Colombian dishes that may or may not contain gluten? In this article, we will discuss examples of Colombian dishes that may or may not contain gluten. For each dish we describe in this section, we will also provide information on why the dish may contain gluten.
- Buñuelos. Buñuelos are one example of a Colombian dish that may or may not contain gluten depending on where they are ordered. Buñuelos are fried dough balls that are covered in cinnamon and sugar. Buñuelos may or may not contain gluten depending on exactly what type of flour is used to make the dough. If a wheat based flour is used, they will not be gluten free. If a cassava based flour is used, then they will be gluten free.
- Anything that is made in the fryer (cross contamination). As with any other cuisine, you should be careful about eating anything that is made in the fryer if you are sensitive to trace amounts of gluten from cross contamination. If gluten free items are made in the same fryer as dishes that do contain gluten, then there may be trace amounts of gluten in the gluten free items. Always make sure to ask whether there is a dedicated fryer that is only used for gluten free items.
Is Colombian food suitable for a gluten free diet?
Is Colombian food suitable for someone who maintains a gluten free diet? Yes, Colombian food is a great option for someone who maintains a gluten free diet! In fact, it may be one of the best options out there. Colombian cuisine in general does not use many ingredients that contain gluten. Rather than using wheat based flour, Colombian dishes tend to use corn and yuca based flour.
Even Colombian restaurants that do not intentionally cater to gluten free diners often have menus that are almost entirely gluten free. That being said, there are some restaurants that may use less traditional ingredients like wheat based flour in some dishes.
Gluten free Colombian restaurants
Are you looking for a Colombian restaurant that offers lots of gluten free options? Here are some of our favorite Colombian restaurants that offer gluten free options. Note that some of these restaurants are dedicated primarily to Colombian food, whereas others offer a blend of a few different Latin cuisines.
- Panela Restaurant in Lowell, Massachusetts
- Maiz in Portland, Maine
- El Pilon food truck in Portland, Oregon
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