Flavorful Gluten Free Dinner Idea

Imagine sitting down to an aromatic meal of balsamic roast chicken with a fresh vegetable salsa on the side, followed by a light, citrus dessert.

Balsamic Roast Chicken

When combined with a bit of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar creates a tasty sauce that far healthier than a high-fat gravy.

You will need:

1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mince the rosemary and garlic together in a small bowl.
3. Loosen the chicken skin from the flesh and rub the flesh with the olive oil and then the herb mixture (garlic and rosemary). Sprinkle with black pepper. Put a couple rosemary springs into the chicken’s cavity. Truss the chicken.
4. Put the chicken in a roasting pan; roast 20 to 25 minutes per pound, or about an hour and 20 minutes. A whole cooked chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Baste with pan juices frequently. When browned and juices run clear, transfer the chicken to your serving platter.
5. The sauce: combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until warm and the sugar dissolves, but do not boil.

Carve the chicken, removing the skin. Pour the vinegar mixture over the chicken pieces. Garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs and serve right away.

Serves 8

Veggie Salsa

There’s a bit of slicing and dicing required, but otherwise the prep is easy.

You will need:

1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
2 tomatoes, diced (about 1 cup)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 cup lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Wash and prepare the vegetables.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a bowel; toss gently to mix.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least one half hour.

Serves 8

Dessert: Cinnamon Oranges

Easy, light, and refreshing.

You will need:

4 oranges, the sweetest available
2 apples, sliced (optional)
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Peel the oranges and slice them crossways into rounds. Arrange them on a serving plate.
2. If desired, add a few apple slices.
3. Lightly dust the fruit with cinnamon and serve immediately.

Serves 4

Sources: Mayo Clinic; Food.com

Photo credit: Marjin Lajarevski