{Gluten-Free} Indian Fry Bread

I'm an Okie, born and raised.  Our quintessential State Fair Food is the Indian Taco.  We have our fair share of chicken fried steak, BBQ and Mexican food too.  And don't forget about a good 'ol Fish Fry.  But the Indian Taco is my go to recipe when someone from out of town comes to visit and I want to give them the full Oklahoma experience.  I've been making them since 4th grade.  It's also my go-to recipe when I have leftover buttermilk, can't think of anything to cook, or I'm hungry.  I've had lots of trial and error converting recipes to gluten-free.  I was determined to master Indian Fry Bread, because I wasn't about to give up Indian Tacos.  Even Mr. Devilish Dish and the Little Devil agreed this version is close to the real thing.  It bubbled up and was soft and airy in texture.  The perfect base for the tasty taco ingredients, or a side to a bowl of green chile. 

Finally!  I light, bubbly
GLUTEN FREE
Version.

Ideal for Indian Tacos.

Check out the crispy, golden edges.

I'm so pleased with how this turned out.
This is the closest I've come to the real deal.

{Gluten-Free} Indian Fry Bread

Makes two large pieces or four small pieces

1  cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Xanthan Gum
1/2 cup buttermilk
oil for frying

In a skillet over medium high heat, melt shortening for frying.  Meanwhile combine flour, baking powder, salt, Xanthan Gum,  and buttermilk.  Divide into 2 even sized pieces and flatten and roll out slightly.  This will make 2 large pieces for Indian Taco bases.  Can also be made into smaller pieces to serve with cinnamon/sugar and honey.  When oil has reached 350 degrees F, place dough in skillet and fry until golden.  Flip over and fry until other side is golden brown.  Drain on paper towels.

*Note  I usually make the Gluten Free Version for myself, and my regular recipe for the rest of the family. I roll my dough out on a separate surface using the gluten free flour.  I fry my bread in the oil first to avoid any cross-contamination.

Prep Time:  Approximately 10 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 6 minutes

For Indian Tacos, I like to top the fried dough pieces with:

Warmed Ranch-Style Beans
cooked and crumbled ground beef
lettuce
tomato
onion
shredded cheese
hot sauce   

Asian Chicken Chopped Salad

This salad recipe is probably my all-time favorite "girl dinner" meal.  Mr. Devilish Dish does not enjoy sesame oil or cilantro and I love them both, so I make this often when he is out of town.  I've made this recipe dozens of times.  It's a recipe that Little Devil and I adapted to suit our tastes years ago.  I especially like it because the chicken gets cooked in the oven, but still manages to stay moist and flavorful.  I don't really want to mess with the grill when he's away from home.  Sometimes if I know he is going to be gone for several days, I will have him grill a few things for me ahead of time, like a steak so I can make Thai Beef Salad.  Pretty much when he's away I eat an entirely Asian menu.  Whether it is this salad, lettuce wraps, or Asian Dumpling Salad, if the cat is away, you can guarantee the mouse is having Asian food.  Not only is this my favorite salad flavor wise, I also really enjoy this recipe because the marinade and dressing can be made ahead.  When Mr. Devilish Dish is out of town, I've been known to do major projects like take the front door off and paint it, or landscape the entire backyard, or sew all new curtains for the windows.  I mix up the marinade and dressing first thing in the morning, and then when I have a break from whatever insane project I'm tackling, it is super easy to marinate and bake the chicken and then assemble the salad ingredients.  So easy, so tasty and definitely a winner.

My original "girl dinner"

The ingredients

Let your chicken breasts marinate awhile
before cooking.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the
salad ingredients.

So delicious, and a hearty "meal" salad
with the juicy sliced chicken breasts on top.

You can also add peanuts, chow mein noodles,
or tortilla strips for an even heartier salad.

Enjoy!

ASIAN CHICKEN CHOPPED SALAD


4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

FOR THE MARINADE:

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

FOR THE DRESSING:

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
juice of 1/2 lime
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
salt to taste
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

FOR THE SALAD:

1 head butter lettuce, chopped
1 head romaine, chopped
4-6 ounces salted cashew halves & pieces
4 green onions, chopped
2  (15 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

In a small bowl combine the marinade ingredients.  Place in a large plastic bag and add chicken breasts.  Allow to marinate at least one hour, or as long as overnight.  When you are ready to cook the chicken, remove chicken breasts from marinade.  Preheat oven to High Broil.  Place chicken breasts on a foil covered baking sheet.  Bake on high broil for 5 minutes.  Turn chicken breasts over and bake the other side for 5 minutes.  (Make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the middle and its juices are running clear.)  Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside.  Place the salad ingredients in a large bowl.  Pour the dressing over and toss to combine.  Place servings of salad on plates and top with sliced chicken pieces. 

Prep Time:  1 hour to marinate     Cook Time:  Approximately 10 minutes

[Gluten-Free] Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

As I've said previously, the hardest thing about switching to a strictly gluten-free lifestyle is giving up convenience.  We've been out to eat a couple of times and thankfully several restaurants offer many gluten-free options.  Fortunately for me I'm not a huge Italian fan, so giving up pasta hasn't been that difficult.  My weakness as you all know is Mexican food.  For the most part that has been adaptable, especially cooking at home.  Gluten-free corn tortillas are readily available, and we are very careful to prepare our salsas and dressings from scratch.  My husband and the Little Devil have been very accommodating as guinea pigs on my gluten-free journey.  They've suffered through the failure of gluten-free won ton wrappers and gluten-free crust for chicken pot pie.  When Mr. DD suggested we have Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, I reminded him that most sauce recipes require flour.  He reminded me that we could almost certainly come up with a gluten-free version.  And I'm happy to say he did.  We used the Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour to thicken the sauce, and it made a beautiful roux and thickened beautifully.  He and Little Devil could taste no difference and there was no notable difference in texture.  It was a thick, creamy, flavorful sauce, perfect atop chicken enchiladas.  I hope this is one of many gluten-free recipes (especially Mexican ones!) that I get to share on this journey with you as well.  

You'll never notice they are gluten-free...

A thick, creamy rich sour cream sauce...

Cover the chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce,
cheese and chopped green onions.

Bake until hot and bubbly

You CAN have your gluten free Mexican food,
and eat it too!

[Gluten-Free] Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

12 gluten-free corn tortillas
1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (I poached mine in salted water for 20 minutes)
1 tablespoon gluten-free taco seasoning
2 cups shredded Monterrey-Jack cheese, divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
2 cups gluten free chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
3-4 green onions, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.  In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning and 1 cup of cheese.  Heat tortillas in microwave in a tortilla warmer or between two damp towels until they are pliable.  Roll chicken mixture up inside tortillas and place in baking dish.  In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat.  Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minutes.  Add broth, whisking until smooth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir constantly until thickened.  Remove pan from heat (so the sour cream does not curdle) and stir in sour cream and green chiles.  Pour mixture over tortillas.  Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and sprinkle with chopped green onions.  Cover with foil and bake 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly, and cheese is melted.

Prep Time:  Approximately 15 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 25 minutes