As we all know, alpha-gal syndrome has hit the Island community hard. The symptoms and severity of it are all over the map, ranging from no symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule that can be found in the meat of most mammals, including beef, pork, lamb, and venison, but some folks can tolerate chicken, fish, and turkey. In terms of dairy, some people have no issues, while others react negatively to even trace amounts. Reactions of alpha-gal can include hives, swelling, stomach pain, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Whew, it’s hard to keep track. The best advice? Get tested if you’re suspicious.
Though I’ve counted a significant number of tick bites this summer, I do not have alpha-gal. I do have dairy and gluten intolerance, though, so I am always seeking recipes without them. This tangy and sweet meatloaf is a winner. If you know you can’t tolerate beef, try ground turkey. You can also make this with vegetarian crumbles, seitan, or tofu. If you do not tolerate dairy, omit the milk and use water, or nondairy milks like cashew, oat, almond, or coconut.
Sweet and tangy meatloaf
Makes two loaves, or eight servings.
2 pounds ground turkey (or vegetarian alternative)
¾ cup uncooked quick-cooking oats (if you are gluten-free, make sure you get GF oats)
1 med. onion, finely chopped
¼ cup milk (or another replacement)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten (A few egg alternatives: white vinegar and baking soda. 1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp. baking soda equal 1 egg; Liquid Egg Substitute; flax seeds and warm water — 1 Tbsp. finely ground flax seeds and 3 Tbsp. warm water equals 1 egg)
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
½ cup ketchup (if you are gluten-free, read label carefully)
3 Tbsp. brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 tsp. mustard (to taste)
4 peeled and chopped potatoes (I use sweet potatoes, but any will do)
4-5 chopped carrots
Preheat the oven to 350°. Combine the first eight ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, then shape into 2 loaves measuring about 7½ x 4 in. Add veggies around the meatloaf. Place on a lightly greased rack in a broiler pan, and bake for 40 minutes.
Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spoon over the meatloaf and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the meat thermometer registers 160°. Enjoy!
I have Alpha-Gal and have found Ostrich meat. Ostrich is a red meat that looks , cooks, and tastes very similar to grass fed beef. You can find Ostrich online at Ostrich Farms of America. They have various cuts of the bird from steaks to ground to wings. I will say their burger is the most delicious I’ve ever had!
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