How To Cook Gluten-Free Pasta
Tips for Buying and Preparing Noodles without Wheat or Gluten
Besides bread, pasta may be one of the most-missed foods for people going gluten-free. Fortunately, you can learn how to buy, cook, and enjoy gluten-free pasta.
Where To Buy
Health food stores often have sections devoted to gluten-free pastas. Large grocery stores may also carry them alongside alternative or organic foods. If you don’t have a health food store or section in your area, you can order gluten-free pasta online.
Rice, Corn, Or Quinoa?
Most gluten-free pastas are made from either rice, corn, or quinoa.
- Rice pasta is one of the most widely available. It tends to absorb other flavors, which works especially well in dishes like lasagna.
- Corn pasta tastes a bit like a cross between spaghetti and popcorn. People who like corn may enjoy the unique flavor of this pasta.
- Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”), a grain purportedly once popular among the ancient Inca, is a complete source of protein. That means it contains all the amino acids that the body doesn’t produce on its own. This gives it a nutritional edge, but children may or may not like its distinctive flavor.
Note: Spelt and kamut are varieties of wheat that are sometimes misleadingly marketed as wheat alternatives. Although some people can tolerate spelt and kamut better than other varieties of wheat, people with wheat allergies, and those on a gluten-free diet, need to avoid these products.
Like all pastas, the quality and texture of gluten-free pasta can vary from brand to brand, so you may need to try several kinds before you find one you really like.
Shapes and Sizes
Gone are the days when gluten-free pasta only came in one type of noodle. You can now find gluten-free spaghetti, rotini, shells, spirals, linguine, elbows, and sometimes even fun shapes like dinosaurs. There are also gluten-free pastas that come with a prepared sauce, such as macaroni and cheese. (Be sure to check the label for eggs or dairy products if you need to avoid those allergens as well.)
How To Cook It
Gluten-free pastas are more sensitive to cooking than other pastas, so be sure to follow the package directions carefully. Most importantly, use lots of water. Rice pasta, in particular, can tend to make the water thick and gloppy, so make sure to use at least as much water as the package recommends. Adding salt to the water can also help reduce sticking. Bring the water to a full boil before adding the noodles. Add the noodles a few at a time while stirring gently. Cook the noodles just until they’re tender, then drain them immediately. Rinse the noodles in cold water and gently shake off the excess water. Return the noodles to the pot or serving dish, add your favorite sauce, and enjoy!
Eating Out
Not in the mood to cook your own gluten-free pasta? Some restaurants, such as the Old Spaghetti Factory, offer gluten-free pastas to their customers upon request. Be sure to call ahead and ask the restaurant in your area if you’d like to eat out.
