Gluten Free Meatloaf with Middle Eastern Spices


My daughter found out that she is allergic to gluten.  Therefore, when I decided to make this meatloaf, I had to use gluten free breadcrumbs.  I used Udi's gluten free whole grain bread that I crushed in the food processor.  You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for this recipe, or any other type gluten free breadcrumbs.  I have tried it both ways and either way comes out delicious.  I served this with Sweet potato mash with paprika and chill powder  (recipe below).  Enjoy!

Makes 8 servings (approximately 4.5 oz each)

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
2 oz Udi's bread (crushed in a food processor)
3/4 cup chopped parsley
1 cup shredded onion
2 tsp. crushed garlic
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 cup olive oil

Peel and wash the onion. Place it in a food processor and pulse until shredded. Set aside. Clean the garlic and crush with a garlic press. Set aside. Wash and chop the parsley. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.

In a blow mix together the ground turkey, the shredded onion, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, the bread crumbs, paprika, cumin, thyme, turmeric, salt and pepper. Mix well. In an ovenproof pan place the meatloaf mixture and pour over the 1/2 cup olive oil. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving (128.2 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343
Calories from Fat 221
Total Fat 24.6g
Saturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 87mg
Sodium 287mg
Total Carbohydrates 5.7g
Dietary Fiber 0.8g
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 24.4g





Sweet potato mash with paprika and chill powder


I made this dish to accompany the Gluten Free Meatloaf with Middle Eastern Spices below.

Makes 6 servings (approximately 7 oz)

2 1/4 lbs sweet potatoes
1/2 cup skim milk
3 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper

Peel and wash the sweet potatoes. Cut them in quarters and place them in a pot with water to boil. Or microwave them in a microwave bowl with water. When soft drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher. Add the butter, the milk and the spices. Blend well and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving (198.6 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 263
Calories from Fat 58
Total Fat 6.5g
Saturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 17mg
Sodium 261mg
Total Carbohydrates 48.7g
Dietary Fiber 7.2g
Sugars 1.9g
Protein 3.4g




Three Crust-less Broccoli/Cheese quiches

Here are three variations of Broccoli/cheese quiches that I have made in the past
Crust-less Broccoli Fennel Quiche, Crust-less Broccoli Red Pepper Quiche, Crust-less Broccoli and Turkey Bacon Quiche. I usually make crust-less quiches because they are easy; I don’t have to buy the pie dough or make it from scratch and I use items that I have on hand. It’s something that’s quick to put together and by serving it with a side salad you have yourself a meal, either for lunch or for a light dinner.

The first quiche published is the Broccoli Fennel quiche. Fennel has a distinct taste, more like anise or licorice but it’s not as strong. Some fresh produce or super markets will also name fennel anise. Fennel is used widely in Mediterranean cuisine. The stalk of the fennel plant is white and the leaves resemble fresh dill. In Greek fennel is called “Marathon” and it grows wildly in Marathon the place where the battle of Marathon took place (300 Spartans).

Enjoy all these three variations of crust-less quiches for either lunch or dinner.

Crust-less Broccoli and Turkey Bacon Quiche


Makes 16 servings

7.7 oz smoked turkey bacon chopped (approx. 1 cup)
2 red onions chopped (about 1.5 cups)
¼ cup olive oil
1 red pepper sliced (about 1 cup)
3 cups fresh broccoli chopped
2 tbs chopped parsley
¼ tsp freshly ground pepper
2 cups low moisture park skim milk mozzarella (16 oz)
1 cup egg beaters
+ (plus) 4 eggs
1.5 cups skim milk

Chop the turkey bacon and sauté in a frying pan. Remove from pan when browned and add the 1/4 cup olive oil. In the oil, add the chopped red onion, the diced red pepper and the broccoli flowerets. Sauté until the pepper is slightly softened, and the broccoli turns bright green color. Remove from the heat.

In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, the milk, the eggbeaters and the eggs. Add the broccoli/turkey mixture to the cheese/milk mixture. Stir together and pour into two 9" plates evenly. Bake at 350 degree F oven for 45-50 minutes or until the toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4.536 oz (128.6g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 193
Calories from Fat 128
Total Fat 14.2g
Saturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 75mg
Sodium 436mg
Total Carbohydrates4.5g
Dietary Fiber 0.8g
Sugars 2.3g
Protein6.5g