At Open Arms, we try our best to fit the needs and preferences of as many people as we can with our meals. Along with medically tailored menus like our Heart healthy menu and Renal menu, we offer various options like a vegan menu, and a gluten-free/dairy-free menu. We have found that there are many reasons why individuals may choose a gluten-free and/or dairy-free lifestyle for themselves.
Firstly, gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye found in food products like bread, pasta, tortillas, and in many filler ingredients in packaged foods. A diet free of these gluten containing foods is essential for someone with Celiac Disease or a wheat allergy, as the gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine or certain nerve tissues, or can cause an anaphylactic reaction. This diet may also help individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity to limit digestive symptoms associated with gluten intake.
Subsequently, dairy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. While dairy allergies are less common in adults than in children, an intolerance to lactose (a sugar found in dairy products) is quite common. Surprisingly, approximately 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose. This intolerance often causes abdominal discomfort and digestive symptoms after consuming dairy products. Of course, sometimes eliminating these foods may simply be associated with personal preference related to ethics, religion, or beliefs.
Our gluten-free/dairy-free menu offers a wide variety of protein and veggie based meals and snacks and a delicious selection of baked goods made in house daily. The BBQ Pork recipe below is a recipe included in this menu.
Allergen Statement: All clients are alerted that we are not an allergen-free facility and cross-contamination may occur.
BBQ Pork Loin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and a Vegetable Medley
Makes 6 Servings
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp chili powder, ground
- ¼ tsp olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp tamari or soy sauce
- ¼ tsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce, canned
- ¼ tsp molasses
- ¼ tsp liquid smoke, hickory (optional)
BBQ Pork Loin:
- 1 ½ lb pork tenderloin
Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 ½ lb sweet potatoes, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
Vegetable Medley:
- 6 cups vegetable medley, frozen
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a blender or food processor, blend the onion garlic, seasonings, and flavorings with the tomato sauce
- Coat the pork tenderloin with half of the sauce and bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 155 degrees
- Dice sweet potato or yams into bite size chunks (about half an inch) and toss in a bowl with oil and salt
- Put on a lined baking sheet and put in the oven with the pork. Should take about the same amount of time to cook, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes. You will know they are done when they have a dark color on the edge and are soft to the touch (careful they are hot!)
- Slice and serve the pork with the sweet potatoes the extra BBQ sauce
- We also serve this meal with a vegetable medley of carrots, peas, corn, soy beans, and green beans which is able to be purchased in the frozen – vegetable section of your local grocery store
Nutrition Info – Includes BBQ pork and sides
Calories: 370, Fat: 6 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 35 g, Fiber: 11 g, Sodium: 810 mg
By Jade Bryngelson, Registered and Licensed Dietitian, OAM Nutrition Specialist
