No Gluten, No Lactose Nor Yeast

Grybukas

Grybukas

Community Member
Jul 22, 2015
31
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Europe
I have friends visiting from abroad and have encountered a dilemma. The couple doesn't eat anything which includes gluten, lactose or yeast due to the large amount of allergies & intolerances that the wife has. This basically excludes all of our staples in the kitchen: No pasta, no bread, no wine, no cheese.... And when thinking about it, if you can't drink alcohol & consume bread - the aperitivo around here is just not an option.

Does anyone have experience how to enjoy Italy without these essential staples in the kitchen?
 
Hard, very hard. Well many bars offer "analcolici " as long drinks and sodas for aperitivo, have them try chinotto.
In gelateria they can have granita.

Then at home rice and corn are gluten free, grilled polenta can substitute bread.
Usually seafood risotto does not contain butter or cheese, you can try that too.

And you might have some frshwater fish on a trip by the lakes.
 
There are gluten free options you can buy, but as they aren't vegetarian then there is meat, (no sauces) salads and fish. It's not a problem as most people do deal with these issues and live normal lives. You can always make a dish around eggs and potatoes, throw in some peppers, onions and mushrooms and you have a great dish with salad.
 
I'm glad some of the others mentioned options, because honestly I had no clue where someone would start if they weren't having gluten, lactose or yeast. I mean, I know vegetarians who have needed advice but boy - that's a tough gig! Apart from just meat, fish and vegetables for your friends, I wouldn't know what else to suggest! :(
 
It sounds pretty hard to me. Lots of traditional Italian delicacies are unsuitable for those who are avoiding lactose, gluten and yeast. I'm vegetarian, and that's not too bad, but I have no idea what I would do if I was trying to cater to someone who's avoiding substances I have in almost all my meals. The only things I could really say are the gluten free substitutes you'd find in supermarkets, vegetables, meat and fish. I'm not sure what else would be alright for a diet which is so specific.
 
There's definitely options available, but it's going to be a lot harder having to cook meals without them in it. Personally I'm quite lucky, as I'm able to eat anything and it won't affect me, but it seems like it's becoming more and more common these days for people to have food allergies, so I'm sure if that trend continues the range of foods available will increase aswell.
 
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