Gluten Free Savoury Puffs

October 16, 2024
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This recipe has been adapted from a step-by-step cookbook complete with photos, and I have been preparing it even before I adopted a gluten-free diet. Since going gluten-free, I have frequently used this recipe.

Ideas, Advice and Suggestions(cont.)

Baking Powder – Two teaspoons may seem excessive, but this recipe appears to require that amount. Baking powder is typically gluten-free, though it often contains cornstarch.
Salt and Pepper – Be particularly cautious with adding salt to the recipe because both the meat and cheese already contain salt.
Large Eggs – I use whatever I have which varies between Large, Extra Large and Jumbo I’ve never had any issues
Margerine – I have only used baking margarines that contain between 60% and 75% fat, so I'm uncertain about the outcomes when using lower-fat margarine.
Milk(cows) – You can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. I've tried low-fat, full-cream fresh milk, and UHT milk; all options have been successful. well.
Ham, Bacon or Chicken - Remember, if you're following a gluten-free diet, most preserved meats contain some gluten unless they're specifically labeled as gluten-free. These meats should be fully cooked before incorporating them into the batter. I frequently use leftover breast meat from a rotisserie chicken and add ham for extra moisture, although any type of chicken is suitable. You can use any single type or combination of meats for moisture; I've even added corn, and it has worked well. Approximately 125g is the right amount for this recipe, give or take a little. For bacon, chop and fry it until it's cooked but not crispy.  
Medium Onion – I adore onions, and for me, they are a must-have ingredient. Simply place them in a pot or pan (along with a peeled, chopped tomato if you're using one), and add enough water to cover them. Boil until they're soft, adding a pinch of salt to aid the softening process. A little browning is fine, but avoid creating hard, crispy pieces. Ensure all the liquid is cooked off, so you don't introduce extra moisture into the batter.
Medium/Small Tomato(optional) – It must be peeled, chopped, and cooked down like the onion, which adds a certain something to the flavor. You can add a bit more onion or meat if you choose to omit it.
How to peel a Tomato – On the side opposite the stem, make a small cross in the skin using a sharp knife. Place the tomato in a bowl large enough to submerge it completely and pour boiling water over the scored marks. Leave it in the water for 2 minutes. Then, discard the hot water and cover the tomato with cold water (the colder, the better). If possible, use ice water and leave the tomato for another 2 minutes. The skin should peel off effortlessly.

Recipe Template

Gluten-free Savoury Puffs

Recipe Image

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes


Servings: 12 puffs

Level of Difficulty: Level of Difficulty - Easy

The Origin of the Recipe: Adapted from to gluten-free from Cooking Step-by Step 2 recipe book

Diet: Special diet: gluten-free

A simple recipe that yields excellent results, utilizes leftovers, and is indistinguishably gluten-free can be a great way to repurpose food.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (130g) Woolworths Free from Gluten All-Purpose flour (All-Purpose Wheat Flour)
  • 10ml (2 teaspoons) baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 125g margarine, melted
  • 125ml (½ cup) warm milk
  • 125g ham, bacon or cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium/small tomato, peeled and chopped(optional)
  • 250ml (1 cup) grated cheddar cheese, mild is better
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C/160°C for fan assist). Grease a 12 capacity standard-sized muffin pan, set aside.
  • If you are using bacon fry but not too crispy. Soften onion and tomato by frying in a little water do not brown
  • Mix dry ingredients combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper
  • Beat the eggs with melted margarine and warm milk
  • Mix in the mince and onions and leave on low heat.
  • Add the bacon (ham or chicken) onion, tomato and cheese to the dry ingredients
  • Combine with egg mixture
  • Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes till golden
  • Remove from pan after 5 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack.

Notes

  • Corn can be substituted for or added to meat.
  • Cottage Pie

    October 16, 2024
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    This recipe is one that my maternal grandmother often used, and she meticulously typed it out.


    The minced meat component of this recipe is my go-to when I want to create a filling for pancakes. In the past, I've also used it for toasted sandwiches and Vetkoek.

    Ideas, Advice and Suggestions

    Potatoes -Most types of potatoes are suitable, but those recommended for mashing are preferable to avoid a grainy texture.

    Beef Mince - I've only prepared this with beef mince. I usually opt for lean mince, but I avoid the ultra-lean variety because it often requires adding oil during frying.
    Onion - Yellow or Brown onions work well
    Water and /or White Wine -I typically use a dry white wine; I have tried red wine, but the outcome was not satisfactory.
    Bisto - This is one of those products not labeled as gluten-free, yet the ingredients listed on the box do not mention gluten. This applies only to the original Bisto, as all the newer versions contain gluten.
    Flour or Corn Starch -Cornstarch is effective, but if gluten isn't a concern, then flour is also acceptable.
    Tabasco -I can detect even a few drops, but if your tolerance is higher, you might need to add more.

    Recipe Template

    Cottage Pie

    Recipe Image

    Preparation Time: 20 minutes

    Cooking Time: 35 minutes

    Total Time: 55 minutes


    Servings: 4-5

    Level of Difficulty: Easy

    The Origin of the Recipe: Grandmother

    Diet: Gluten-free

    This is my grandmother's Shepherd's Pie recipe (I'm aware it's not traditional Shepherd's Pie as it doesn't contain lamb), modified with a few tweaks to make it gluten-free and to omit ingredients I don't use. The minced meat component has evolved into a versatile addition to other dishes.

    Ingredients

    • 4 Large Potatoes
    • 500g beef mince
    • 1 large onion
    • 1 cup of water for gravy (or ½ cup water and ½ cup white wine)
    • 2 teaspoons Bisto
    • 2 teaspoons flour or cornflour
    • Few drops of Tabasco sauce
    • Salt and Pepper to Taste

    Instructions

    • Peel potatoes and put on to boil, steam or cook in a pressure cooker.
    • Dice onion, heat a teaspoon of fat or oil and fry the onion until golden brown.
    • Remove from and brown the mince in the pan.
    • Remove mince and make gravy by mixing Bisto and flour with a little water, add Tabasco and salt and mix in the rest of the water and the wine in the frying pan until boiling.
    • Mix in the mince and onions and leave on low heat.
    • Pre-heat oven to 150°C to 160°C (Medium).
    • When potatoes are cooked, mash first with butter then add some milk until they are fairly soft. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    • Grease pyrex dish and put meat mixture in. Fork the potatoes over the top and bake for about ½ to ¾ hour.

    Notes

    The original recipe calls for Angostura Bitters and Tabasco Sauce, but if you're out of Tabasco, you can substitute it with some red or black pepper.