Are you gluten-intolerant, or perhaps planning an event for someone who is? While some individuals may be allergic to gluten, a lot of people these days have adopted a gluten-free lifestyle. Getting rid of gluten from one’s diet results in many health benefits, including increased energy, better digestion, and improved mood.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or an extravagant banquet, planning a gluten-free event might get confusing at first. Regardless of the size and type of event, from a casual dinner party to an elaborate wedding reception, there are several tips you can follow for gluten-free catering. Keep reading to learn more!
Work With A Caterer
A professional catering service with knowledge of gluten-free options can help you make the right decisions for your menu. What most people don’t realise is that gluten is often hidden in everyday ingredients. It’s in your daily pasta, bread, pastries and even other drinks. Gluten has been a part of many traditional dishes, which is why working with a professional caterer can be so helpful.
Take note, however, that not all catering services are equal. Many restaurants and catering options still use traditional recipes that are filled with gluten. Make sure to pick a caterer who is knowledgeable and experienced in preparing healthy dishes, free from all preservatives, and no unnecessary ingredients such as gluten.
Focus On Fresh Ingredients
Make fresh, seasonal ingredients the focus of your menu. This is important because fresh food items are naturally gluten-free and will help you create impressive dishes for your guests. In addition, fresh ingredients are typically more flavourful and nutritious than processed foods.
In terms of cuisines, what comes to mind when you think of fresh dishes? Japanese dishes must be on the top of your list–and there’s no denying it!
Japanese people have a deep understanding of food, which is why their cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and unique preparation methods. Aside from being healthy, the majority of Japanese foods are also gluten-free, so you can be sure that your guests will get to enjoy a unique gluten-free meal.
Include Substitutes For Common Foods
Finger foods are essential for any event, and your gluten-free guests should have just as many options. Popular finger foods such as sliders and fried chicken can be made with healthier, gluten-free substitutes.
For example, instead of using wheat flour in the batter for fried chicken, you can use a combination of gluten-free flour such as tapioca and rice flour. You can also substitute regular buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Working with your caterer and actively participating during the planning process can help ensure that all your guests enjoy delicious snacks and have a memorable dining experience.
Ensure Proper Labeling
If you want to go all-out and ensure the entire menu doesn’t contain any processed wheat or gluten, you should keep a close eye on the labels of all ingredients used. Considering you’ll be working with a professional catering service, they’ll take care of this on your end. Just remember to remind them to pay close attention to all labels throughout the cooking process.
Be mindful that some ingredients may contain hidden wheat, such as spices and sauces. Working with an experienced catering service will ensure that they’re aware of all potential hidden sources of gluten.
Alternatively, if you intend to prepare everything yourself, make sure to read all labels thoroughly and check for potential allergens.
Consider A Modern Japanese Catering Service
Many people have a common notion that a gluten-free course is limited, but nothing could be further from the truth. An excellent cuisine that you can consider serving for your gluten-free guests is Japanese.
As mentioned earlier, Japanese dishes are renowned for their fresh ingredients and healthy meals. For the vast majority of Japanese dishes, you can replace wheat flour with rice flour. Popular examples to consider are tempura and yakitori. This makes Japanese food an excellent option if you are hosting an event where people cannot eat or tolerate gluten.
Final Thoughts
Remember that planning a gluten-free menu isn’t as difficult as it seems. You should closely work with a reputable catering service that you can trust, read labels when shopping for ingredients, and think outside the box for creative dishes.
Nosh is most known for its Japanese-inspired specialities and is here to help you plan a unique gluten-free menu for your next event! Contact us today to learn more about our catering services.
For all your modern gluten-free catering needs, please call us today on 03 9670 1529 or email us for more information.
