Celiac Disease: Understanding the Journey and a Delicious Pancetta-Wrapped Cod Recipe

Celiac disease is a condition that goes far beyond a simple dietary preference. It’s an autoimmune disorder that demands constant vigilance, affecting not just the foods we eat but how we live our daily lives. Whether you’ve been diagnosed for years or are just starting to navigate the gluten-free world, the challenges can feel overwhelming. But there’s also a silver lining—discovering new ways to cook, new flavors to embrace, and a deeper connection with what we put on our plates.

Living with Celiac Disease

When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, I remember feeling a mix of relief and frustration. Relief, because I finally had an answer to years of discomfort, but frustration because so many of my favorite foods were suddenly off-limits. Eating out became a minefield, grocery shopping meant scrutinizing labels, and the simple act of grabbing a quick snack was no longer simple at all.

Over time, though, I started to shift my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t have, I started exploring what I could. Cooking became more than just a necessity—it became a passion. Learning to make delicious meals from scratch not only gave me full control over my diet but also made me a better cook overall. And honestly? The food I eat now is probably better than what I was eating before my diagnosis.

The Changing Gluten-Free Landscape

One of the most fascinating things about the gluten-free world is how much it has evolved over the years. When I first went gluten-free, options were limited, and many products were dry, tasteless, or ridiculously expensive. Now, supermarkets are filled with gluten-free alternatives, and restaurants are far more aware of cross-contamination (cross-contact) risks.

That being said, I sometimes wonder whether the surge in gluten-free options is here to stay. We've seen trends like veganism rise and fall in popularity, and gluten-free eating has also become a lifestyle choice for many people without medical necessity. If that demand wanes, will we see gluten-free options start to disappear from menus and store shelves? While celiacs will always need safe food, will businesses continue to cater to us if the broader market shrinks? Thankfully for me, my wife thinks my meals are often better than those in some restaurants - high praise indeed!

For now, at least, there are still plenty of wonderful options out there, and one of my favorite things to do is create my own delicious, safe, and satisfying meals at home. With that in mind, I want to share a fantastic recipe that’s not only gluten-free but feels truly special—perfect for a cosy dinner at home.

Pancetta-Wrapped Cod with Parsley Sauce, New Potatoes, and Veg

This dish is elegant yet simple, packed with fresh flavours and a rich, velvety parsley sauce made the traditional way—with a roux! Wrapping the cod in pancetta adds a crispy, salty contrast to the delicate fish, and the parsley sauce brings everything together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 cod loins

• 4 slices pancetta

• 400g new potatoes

• 200g green beans

• 1 small carrot, julienned

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Parsley Sauce:

• 25g butter

• 25g gluten-free flour

• 300ml milk

• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (ensure it's gluten-free)

• Salt and white pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Wrap each cod loin with two slices of pancetta and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with pepper. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the pancetta is crisp and the fish is cooked through.

2. While the fish is baking, boil the new potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

3. In a separate pan, steam or boil the green beans and julienned carrot for 5–7 minutes until tender but still vibrant.

4. For the parsley sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

5. Add the Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another minute before removing from heat.

6. Serve the pancetta-wrapped cod alongside the new potatoes and vegetables, generously drizzling the parsley sauce over the fish.

This dish proves that gluten-free eating doesn’t have to be restrictive—it can be indulgent, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.

To all my followers and subscribers, I truly appreciate your support and readership. Let’s keep sharing recipes, experiences, and ideas so that we can continue making the gluten-free life not just manageable but delicious. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out, and if you have any twists or tweaks, I’d love to hear them!

Warm regards,

The Celiac Scientist