| Why Gluten Free Pasta is an Important Part of a Gluten Free Diet.
Most people think of Italy as the birthplace of pasta. However history traces the origin of this food back to 1700 B.C. when the Chinese came up with a noodle made from rice flour. The Italians were instrumental in the evolution of pasta as we know it. In 400 B.C. the Etruscans, who come from the western part of Italy, made a noodle similar to lasagna.
The Romans are credited with making a noodle similar to the one made by the Etruscans, out of flour and water. These noodles were prepared by baking dough in the oven.
Boiled noodles came much later. Arab traders would bring dried noodles along on their very long trips to the Orient. The Arabs realized that this dried pasta along with a little boiling water was a quick, hot, and easy way to carry meal.
This food was brought to Sicily during the 8th century invasions. Soon afterwards the Italian city of Palermo was producing huge quantities of dried pasta. The Italians get the credit for mass producing pasta.
Thomas Jefferson brought pasta to America as early as the late 1700’s. The popularity of this food increased in the late 19th century when large numbers of Italian immigrants came to America, bringing pasta with them.
Today, pasta is as popular as ever. From tiny sidewalk cafes to the fanciest of gourmet restaurants, you are sure to find a few pasta dishes on the menu. Whether you choose to thank the Italians for this delicious food or their eastern neighbors, we can all agree that our dinner tables wouldn’t be the same without this fabulous food.
The serious condition known as celiac disease, which leaves many people unable to digest gluten properly, has given rise to many commercially produced pastas that are not made from wheat. The most common alternative is brown rice pasta. Now just about any pasta dish that is usually prepared with gluten containing pasta can be prepared with gluten free pasta. Pasta is one food that can accommodate other particular diets as well (e.g., Kosher or cholesterol free).
Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, cheddar, or American cheese are some examples of cheeses that go great with gluten free pasta. Basil is an excellent herb for use in pasta sauces. Tomato sauce is well known to accompany pasta in many Italian dishes. Gluten free pasta can be served in soups, in salads, or as the main entree.
Traditional dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and macaroni and cheese are great with gluten free pasta.
Pasta is good tasting and good for you. It is a very good carbohydrate with a low glycemic index and only 99 calories in each half-cup. Pasta is very low in sodium and cholesterol-free and has been part of the healthy Mediterranean diet for over 1000 years. In addition some diabetics are allowed to consume pasta if approved by their doctor.
So enjoy all the great nutritious, delicious, and celiac disease safe pasta http://www.a1glutenfree.com has to offer. |
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