Here’s another winner recipe from wheat-free champion nutritionist, Maria Emmerich! This one is for a very simple but tasty sandwich wrap with the flavors of tomato and basil.
Make a supply ahead of time, then stuff with lettuce, sprouts, tomato, (uncured, unprocessed) meats, some mustard, hummus, healthy mayonnaise, or salad dressing, and you’re ready to go!
If you don’t have a basil Marinara, you can always add a teaspoon of dried or finely-chopped fresh basil or other herbs/spices.
(More of Maria’s excellent recipes, along with her discussions, can be found on her Nutritious and Delicious Journal blog, as well as in her several books.)
Maria’s Tomato Basil Sandwich Wrap
Makes 10 servings
1 1/4 cup blanched almond flour (or 3/4 cup coconut flour)
5 TBS psyllium husk powder
1 tsp Celtic sea salt
2 eggs (4 if using coconut flour)
1 cup basil Marinara sauce (without added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup)
In a medium sized bowl, combine the almond/coconut flour, psyllium powder (no substitutes: flaxseed meal won’t work), and salt. Add in the eggs and combine until a thick dough. Add Marinara sauce into the bowl. Mix until well combined. Let sit for a minute or two until the dough gels up.
Separate into 10 balls (about 2 inches in diameter). Place the dough onto a piece of greased parchment paper (I used THIS coconut oil spray). Top with another greased piece of parchment. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out in a circle shape with even thickness throughout. This dough is very forgiving, so if you don’t make a circle with the rolling pin, use your hands to perfect your tortilla.
Heat a large pan to medium-high heat with coconut oil or coconut oil spray. Once hot, place an unbaked tortilla on the pan (if the tortilla sticks to the parchment the first time, as it did for me, use your hands to close up any holes…the dough is still very forgiving) and saute until light brown, then flip and bake through.
NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per tortilla)
Traditional Tortilla = 140 calories, 3g fat, 4g protein, 25 carbs, trace fiber
Almond Flour Tortilla = 105 calories, 7.5g fat, 4.1g protein, 5.6g carb, 3.8g fiber (1.8 effective carbs)
Coconut Flour Tortilla = 71 calories, 2.6g fat, 3.4g protein, 7.4g carbs, 5.2g fiber (2.2 effective carbs)
I finally figured out the secret to making these wraps! I used all the ingredients as listed: psyllium (which I found in my grocery store in the aisle with “natural foods”), almond meal flour, etc. in the amounts listed. When I tried to roll them out using wax paper and non stick spray they stuck and it seemed like they were way too soft. They sort of smeared on the wax paper. So I rolled them into two inch balls but then I refrigerated them for over an hour. When I rolled them out after refrigeration time, they felt more solid and not as sticky to the touch. I did not use any spray at all on the wax paper. Also, I used a non stick pan to cook them in and used medium heat instead of medium high. I made 2 of them and kept the rest of the “dough” balls in the refrigerator to make later. I’m thinking they will roll out even easier after being in the refrigerator overnight.
I also have had no luck with this recipe. Have given up on this one.
I couldn’t get then to stick together during cooking them. I can only imagine the frustration of trying to wrap something in these.
Yes, I have had no luck with these and have given up.
Also, I know you say no substitutes, but then you mention flaxseed. What about xanthan gum? Will it absolutely not work?
I have no idea what psyllium husk even is. Is this something I can find at natural foods stores that specialize in allergen-free foods? Or is it readily available in any grocery?
Can anyone whose tried these wraps say whether they freeze well? If not, how long would they keep in the fridge?
> I have no idea what psyllium husk even is.
It’s basically Metamucil, without the wheat and/or sugar.
Yes, using it may accelerate your outcomes.
…..
Maybe I’ll try a substitute anyway. I’ve officially been totally off wheat for about a week now, and I’ve got plenty of outcomes without any extra help.
Many of the recipes in your book call for almond flour/meal. I have a sensitivity to almonds. What can I use as a substitute? Thanks
See:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2012/04/wheat-belly-safe-flours/
Consider re-challenging a nut allergy after having been free of gluten-bearing grains for some time. Some people report that their other supposed allergies are gone with the wheat.
Many of the recipes call for almond flour/meal. I have a sensitivity to almonds and would like to substitute the something else for the almond flour. Any suggestions?
Several options, Elsie: consider ground walnuts, pecans, ground golden flaxseed first.
Are the substitutes a 1:1 ratio?
Are these ok to eat?
Smart & Delicious™ Wheat & Gluten-Free Softwraps™
Enjoy the savory taste and mouth feel of our Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free Wraps. Perfect for those who are “gluten intolerant” or choose to eat “wheat-free”. These wraps are made from Millet and Teff, two highly nutritious ancient grains that are gluten-free and packed with 15g of whole grains per serving and a good source of dietary fiber. Make delicious wrap sandwiches, burritos, enchiladas or simply add your favorite gluten- free filling.
Gluten-Free, Ivory Teff Wrap
Ingredients: water, tapioca flour, whole grain ivory teff flour, whole grain millet flour, canola oil, soy lecithin, colloid powder (cellulose gum, maltodextrin, carrageenan), contains less than 2% of each of the following: guar gum, sea salt, honey, aluminum free leavening (monocalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch), to maintain freshness (sorbic acid and calcium propionate).
Hi
I was delighted to come across this recipe, and couldn’t wait to start. I didn’t have any almond flour, so used ground almonds instead. I also made my own marinara sauce, which tasted absolutely delicious. However, when I attempted to roll it out, I was unsuccessful. The mixture appeared too moist and stuck to the parchment paper. I then added more almond meal which made the dough firmer, but I still couldn’t roll it out. I eventually made small ones about three inches across, but I really wanted a large sized wrap so I could use it to put salad in, or something similar. Where am I going wrong? I must add the mixture tasted very good!
I wonder if the almond meal you used was somehow different and caused this effect. Anyway, you might try just a 1/2 teaspoon of ground psyllium or ground golden flaxseed; it might provide a bit more sturdiness and absorb the extra moisture. Should you try it, please update us with your results!
has anyone tried to used the flax seed wrap from the WBbook and bake it after microwave with pizza sauce and toppings?
I made this last night, substituted the eggs with chia (2 Tablespoons chia meal & 6 Tablespoons water, gelled) and used almond meal instead of flour. I rolled it into a 1/4 inch thick circle and baked it on parchment paper at 350 for 30 minutes. It turned out amazing, we used it for a pizza base. It even “rose” quite a bit, was bready and delicious! Thanks for the recipe! :-)
Great idea! I think I’ll make them into pop tart size and put in the freezer for the kids to pull out for breakfast. They can pop them in the toast or eat frozen (they love frozen waffles).
Jill
Well I just made these as the picture looked so tempting, and I do sometimes feel like having ‘bread’.
Let’s just say that mine definitely do not look even remotely similar to those up there. I did not have the basil marinara so I had to substitute, I used dried herbs as was suggested, basil, oregano, chives, and then for moisture content tossed in a tin of tomato paste & a splash of olive oil. I also used a 3rd egg as I used more than the suggested amount of almond flour as I had a small amount leftover & it was silly to put that back. Perhaps that’s what made them heavier? Anyway mine are definitely not “rollupable”! The first one actually held together removing it from the pan, albeit slightly overdone on the bottom. All subsequent ones either tore as I flipped them, or tore as I removed them to the plate for cooling. However they are very tasty, and as I kept working on the next one I kept tearing off the edges of the one cooling & nibbling on it! Plus my kitchen smells pretty good!
Whoever made the ones in the picture must be a professional chef or something, because those look amazing, as good or better than ‘store bought’ tortillas! No way mine will roll up, but I will still eat them as a ‘flat bread’ beside or underneath a meat dish or salad. I think I will attempt these again in the future, if I can find (or make) a basil marinara and follow the recipe precisely.
Hello,
I have made them twice already an I am certainly not a pro. They came out perfect, just like on the picture, very “rollable”. I gave the recipe to a couple of friends of mine who just made some and they reported great success. Not sure about your preparation but I think the sauce is a must for making them properly. You can easily make it yourself prior to the dough, it will take only 20-30mn.
J.
No professional chef: just Maria, who is a genius for her photography.
You might try using less psyllium seed to start. One of the factors we cannot control in recipes is variation in your specific ingredients.
I just found this blog (looking for wheat free recipes) and just tried this recipe. It was great! i’m so excited to find something like this. I think next time I’m going to puree my sauce, which will help it roll out thinner and more uniform. As I was making this I got an idea… why not try pumpkin? So, here is what I did in my next batch:
added a tablespoon of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, a packet of truvia and 1 cup of pumpkin (I omitted the salt and the tomato sauce). I used coconut oil to grease my pan, to add to the sweetness of the wrap. They turned out great!! I have no idea if this is in line with the Wheat Belly diet…. but it works for me. I think these would be great spread with cream cheese and sprinkled with dark or bitter chocolate shavings… but I’m allergic to dairy and will try spreading peanut or almond butter on them with bitter chocolate for tomorrow’s breakfast. yum!
You catch on quick, Tiffany! Very nice.
What could I use instead of psyllium powder? I really don’t like it for many reasons….
Wow Dr Davis! I just made some, that’s an amazing wrap!! So tasty! The only thing I changed though is that I made my own basil marinara, it takes ~ 30mn to make and is real easy.
I am really impressed at how good it is … hat down doc!
J.
I too just finished making these and they came out great! Can’t wait for my husband to try them. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Thanks, James!
Dr. Davis,
With this recipe, could I make a large batch of these wraps and freeze them??
Devon
When I made these wraps for the first time today, I very stupidly used 1 1/4 C of COCONUT flour, and didn’t realize it until I’d added the powder and eggs. Rather than throw away those expensive ingredients, I added another egg(I had already added 4) , tablespoon of powder and a little additional tomato sauce. They still came out awesome! After about 8 wks of wheat-free, my hubby and I are thrilled to be able to have a sandwich again!!
I found the hardest part was rolling them out into a circle. After a few, I rolled them larger than called for and then cut around them using a small plate. (kind of like making cut-out cookies).
Also, I wondered if you can substitute veg broth or another liquid in place of the marinara sauce to get a different flavor?
Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Darlene
I just made these with pumpkin puree instead of tomato basil…. (see my post below). I think there are other possibilities… maybe use applesauce or chicken broth or butternut squash puree….. maybe even pureed strawberries and fill the wrap with something creamy ….. have fun and let us know what you try next!
I rolled them out between the parchment as directed and found it very difficult to remove it from the bottom layer effectively so I thought I’d try flipping it over stuck to the paper into the heated pan and as it cooked the paper would loosen enough to remove it. I also found that the required liquid was not enough so I added a bit more water, enough that the dough balls would stick together nicely. My household was very impressed with this homemade tortilla recipe.
Are the flaxseed wraps commercially available anywhere, like at Whole Foods or something?
Thanks!
Nope.
Perhaps you should start something, Chrissy!
This is the most delicious wrap I have ever tasted! Even way better than the flour tortillas of my wheat days…
I am having a problem getting them to the proper consistency. They are too sticky and get way too thin when rolled making it impossible to shape and transfer into the pan. I also tried using a flat cookie sheet and baking it in the oven, but it was difficult to get it off the pan, I had to scrape it off and it just left a (tasty!) crumbled mess. Any suggestions as to how to firm up the dough, also, it didn’t “gel” at all, the way the recipe said it would…
Hope I can perfect this, this will become my staple lunch food if I can!!
Hi Dr. Davis,
Thank you so much for posting the great recipes. After reading your book, I finally understood why the doctors would tell me when I was little and complaining of awful stomach aches that “I need to rearrange some of the psychological aspects of my life” when all along I was probably suffering from a form of gluten sensitivity. I have been pretty much wheat free now for 81/2 weeks and I already have noticed a huge difference in how I am feeling. I am still trying to learn the techniques of cooking gluten free but I am very excited about it and I am looking forward to trying this wrap out.
I have a question regarding protein. Please forgive me if you explained this in the book because it has been quite a few weeks since I last read it! I noticed in the smoothie recipe in the Wheat Belly book it calls for whey protein, is there any harm in using a soy/milk based protein? What is the difference between the two?
Thanks,
Katrina
Every protein powder has a unique potential problem: whey triggers insulin, milk triggers insulin, soy is an increasingly uncertain food given its now extensive genetic modification.
I don’t think, however, barring unique individual susceptibilities, that occasional use of any of them is likely to result in substantial problems.
Dr. Davis, can this be made without the eggs but with a vegan egg substitute instead? If so, how ??
Cheryl
You nay have to experiment, Cheryl.
Possibilities: 1 tablespoon ground golden flaxseed or ground chia seed per egg, along with additional water or other liquid to generate the consistency you desire.
Warning: I’ve not tested these substitutions, so cannot vouch for the taste/texture/polish of the recipe with these substitutions.
Should you try it, please tell us what you learn!
I made these wraps last night and they are delicious. I finally got hang of making them by using my panini maker! I was going to put the panini maker in the next yard sale because I wasn’t using it any more. I found a handy use for my old appliance.
Love this blog,
NanaRita
Thanks for the feedback, Nana!
NanaRita,
Are you cooking the wraps the first time on your panini maker? I have one also, and I’d love to know what you did.
Thanks!
Cammie
I made these amazing tortillas tonight, stuffed with tender leftover pot roast, roasted mini bell peppers, roasted onions and Portabella mushrooms, shredded lettuce, tomato and a dollop of seasoned plain Greek yogurt resulting in an extraordinary wrap.
On the side, we had a romaine lettuce salad tossed with a homemade walnut oil mayonnaise dressing, and a big plate of fresh steamed (locally grown) green beans drizzled with lemon butter.
As dessert enthusiasts, and now both at our ideal weight thanks to Wheat Belly (hubby lost 30 pounds. I lost years of agonizing spinal pain) we enjoyed a little plate of low carb, sugar free fudge. Comfortably full, neither of grazes after our dinner and dessert, as we did for many years.
Seven weeks from today, my hubby retires after 42 years on the same job, and we’re off to travel the world for the next 5-10 years, an impossible feat for either of us had it not been for Wheat Belly and Dr. Davis. Add the HIIT fitness training program we learned from Jonathan Bailor”s, The Smarter Science of Slim and we are more fit and healthier than we’ve ever been. My husband’s IBS/Celiac symptoms are gone along with 7 pills a day!!! Thanks Dr. Davis.
Off we go, taking this new way of eating around the world to prove to ourselves that we can say goodbye to pasta and bread while in Tuscany all next summer, desserts on cruises, patisseries in France. Join us on our travels on our blog and recipes along the way at: http://www.worldwidewaftage.com
Warmest regards,
Jessica
Wow these are great! Had a turkey sandwich with cheese yumm. The only problem I had was they were on the thicker side I had a problem getting them thinner…any suggestions?
To Suzie, yes go to any healthfood store and they carry physllium powder.
Looks good. Tried the Flax Seed Wraps in the WB Book—and mine are always hard as a rock—hubby doesn’t like them too much. Maybe he’d like these… Where do you find physllium powder?? (It’s a fiber, right?) At the health food store? Whole Foods? Suggestions…
I found psyllium husk powder at a natural food store in the supplement section. It’s basically unflavored Metamucil.
My plan tonight was to make these wraps, but I forgot the psyllium husk powder and was very disappointed until I read this comment. My roommate has a fiber supplement and I checked the back and it was psyllium husk and some other stuff that I didn’t really look at. So on to mixing with the almond powder, hmm…psyllium husk smells a bit citrusy…add the eggs…why is it orange? What were those other ingredients. Oh noo….well, let’s add some parmesan and garlic and see what happens.
Would you believe me if I said it wasn’t bad? Ok, so they definitely have a strong hint of orange flavor but they are ok. I’m impressed with the texture and underlying flavor. Since I dropped one on the floor and burned two I only have 7 to eat before trying this again. Perhaps one day I won’t be so absent minded.
Maria,
If I have left over cooked wraps, can the wraps be stored in a container at room temperature? Or do the wraps need to be stored in a refrigerator? Also, about how long will the cooked wraps stay fresh in the refrigerator or container at room temperature? Thank you for your time!
Maria,
I also used water instead of the sauce and the wraps tasted great!
Loots fabulous. I must try.
Dr. Davis: Can you please clear up how much fruit per day is ok? I’ve been having about a dozen blueberries and 2-3 strawberries with breakfast. Is that ok or too much?
You are perfectly safe with that quantity, Mike.
Most people tolerate up to 15 grams “net” carbs (total carbs minus fiber) per meal.
I have made a few of Maria’s recipes and they are delicious. Bought her book for kids and I have made the flax seed waffles twice
So I just looked up gi value for whole wheat bread and its low??
Misleading at best.
Get out your blood glucose meter and test it yourself.
Caution: bet you can’t eat {just} one.
Being a high GI carb is only one of 5 major problems with so-called wheat, and not even the most serious problem.
I am in the process of making this right now and am having a heckofa time getting the dough off the greased parchment and into the pan. Any suggestions?
It looks like there is a link missing in the recipe article:
“I used THIS coconut oil spray…”
We haven’t made this yet, so no further insights.
Thanks for catching, Boundless!
You can actually bake with the dough ON the parchment paper, Susan.
I have baked with parchment paper many, many times.
If the dough is a little soft, it can be hard to peel it off the parchment paper. I found that holding on to the top piece of parchment paper, it was easy to slowly but surely peel the dough and top paper back as one together, separating the dough from the bottom paper. Then I just popped it into the pan, with the top parchment paper on top and still on the tortilla. In just a minute or two the tortilla is cooked enough to easily peel off the top paper. This also worked well with very thinly rolled out tortillas.
I thought they were delicious – like soft corn tortillas, and they’d be great with fish tacos. Will try that very soon. I put the used parchment papers back between the layers of the extras and put the in the fridge once cooled. I don’t know how long they will keep but I don’t think I’ll get the chance to find out! Already thinking of scrambled eggs and avocado inside them for breakfast tomorrow.
However I did make the mistake of telling hubby that these would be quesadilla, and they were too soft for that, even with extra frying in the pan. But I think that with a little more practice, lower cooking heat when making the tortillas, and then higher heat once filled, that it will work out well. Looking forward to trying it out!
Thanks to Maria E and Dr. D. for this easy and delicious and filling recipe!
Thank you for the feedback, Cammie!
You add the water or marinara last then wait a couple of minutes for it to gel up.
Maria’s blog is at: http://mariahealth.blogspot.com/.
You can search the site for her recipes. Lots of great ideas. My favorites so far are the “Mac” and cheese and the cinnamon rolls.
If you go to Maria’s website, and search for “Tomato Basil Wrap”, you’ll find a recipe for Fish Tacos. The tortilla wrap she uses is the same one Dr. Davis uses in this recipe. In her recipe, the directions say “add water (or marinara sauce)”, so I suspect somewhere along the line “marinara sauce” got changed inadvertantly to “broth”. The good Dr. will correct me if I’m wrong.
oops sorry computer acting up. Thanks Georgia
how much water/broth and when do you add the marinara?
To clarify further … one cup water OR marinara sauce.
On Maria’s blog it says water (or marinara if making the tomato basil).
HOw much water/broth? And when do you put in the marinara?
How necessary is the psyllium husk? I tested as being very intolerant of this via the ALCAT test. I also found out that many people are intolerant to psyllium, along the same lines as gluten intolerance.
YUM yet ANOTHER good pizza crust I bet! ;) Thanx Dr. D. and Maria!
Yes i was also wondering where the Marinara Sauce was used.. and how much water/broth to use..
Thanks.. this recipe sounds great!
In the directions for this recipe, where it says to add water or broth, is that where we would add the marinara sauce? Please clarify. Looks really good! Thank you.
WHEN DO YOU ADD MARINARA SAUCE ? IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN BY BROTH/WATER ??
Her previous recipes called for water or broth. Just recently she tried marinara in place of the water or broth. That part just didn’t get changed in the instructions (only the ingredients).
Where does the water/broth come from? What do you do with the marinara sauce?
The instructions say to add broth and there is none listed on the ingredients. The ingredients call for sauce and there is none in the instructions? I was just going to make these.
Yup. Corrected.
Thanks all for catching!
Is there anything that could replace the egg in this recipe? Eggs are a migraine trigger for me so I
prefer substitutes.
Hi Kathy, quirkycooking.com.au has an egg free spelt tortilla recipe
Thanks!